A council wants buy to let landlords with one-bed flats or rooms in shared homes to help it find homes for vulnerable people – and it’s giving a £15,000 improvement grant as an incentive.

Participating landlords will also receive a package of other support measures from Cherwell council.

“In the past two months we have seen a sharp rise in the number of people needing emergency accommodation. With the help of local hotels we have done a good job at putting a roof over their heads” says a council spokesman.

“We are now planning for their longer-term futures and are ready to offer support and the opportunity to make improvements to properties for any landlords who are able to help us.” 

The landlords will need to offer affordable tenancies of six months or more to qualify for the benefits. 

For each property made available to the scheme, the council offers landlord grant funding contributions of up to £15,000. 

This non-repayable grant money can be put towards renovation and improvement works, including replacement bathrooms, HMO conversion, health and safety upgrades, and redecoration.

Other benefits include support organising viewings and signing tenancy agreements; ongoing help with the cost of annual gas safety checks; an optional government-approved model tenancy agreement; three months’ support from a council tenancy support officer; and six-monthly visits to assess property condition and discuss any issues.