A council-run private lettings agency claims to have helped over a thousand people find affordable homes locally.

White Horse Lettings – a not for profit service run by the Vale of White Horse and South Oxfordshire councils – says it has created around 50 new tenancies each year since it began in 2007. 

It describes its work as connecting private landlords with potential tenants in need of housing, matching people with a suitable, affordable property. 

The councils offer “ongoing support” to both tenants and private landlords with the aim of providing a stable home for the tenant and a steady income for the landlord throughout the tenancy. 

Landlords who use the service have support with tenancy agreements, inventories, property inspections and safety and legal guidance. Services are free of charge for landlords and they retain 100% of the rental income. 

The council cites one local landlord, Andy Bellis, as saying: “Our current tenant through White Horse Lettings has been in our property for 10 years now. They were able to source our tenant originally, providing all the tenancy paperwork and support to ensure the tenant understood the process. 

“My contact at the council is available to assist with any queries that I or the tenant have throughout the entire tenancy.” 

Another landlord – Rebecca Fisher – is quoted: “I’ve been a landlord for the council for over 15 years and have three properties they help me with. They help me find new tenants and supply paperwork for the contracts. 

“Once signed up and tenants are in property the council are always on hand to help with any queries I or the tenant may have.”  

Depending on a tenant’s circumstances, as well as helping them find a property, the councils often advise and assist tenants in managing financially and accessing financial support such as applying for Universal Credit or help with a deposit.     

A spokesperson for Vale of White Horse council says: “There is a high demand for affordable homes in the area, and our lettings service continues to make a good contribution to helping meet that need. 

“It’s one of many ways in which we help provide the homes people need. 

“Landlords who want to provide an affordable home for a family or individuals can make a hugely positive impact on peoples’ lives. We have so many stories of where that partnership proves very rewarding for both the tenant and the landlord.”