A council-run lettings agency called YorHome is offering new incentives to woo private landlords away from conventional agents.

Besides offering what it calls “probably the lowest management fees in the city of York, the firm is offering “market-beating” 12-month’s rent up front and funding for certain home improvements.

Anyone with a residential property to let in or immediately around York is charged 9% all-inclusive management fee.

“That’s 3% lower than any other letting agency we’ve seen in York. We keep landlords costs lower still by not charging any extra for inventories or extending a tenancy, for example: it’s just one flat fee. Landlords staying with us won’t have to pay the fifth year’s fees, either” says YorHome.

In addition, landlords who sign up can in some cases receive funding for certain home improvements.

The agency’s promotional material says: 

“We will help your property become someone’s much-needed home and hope. Let it with us and save a household from homelessness or we could let it as part of our work to settle refugees in York, in safety.”

A council spokesperson adds: “Our focus is on the landlords and tenants, and giving both outstanding support to ensure properties are well-managed and profitable.

“I’m delighted that we can offer these market-beating benefits for new landlords signing up with us.”