A council has launched a scheme to incentivise private landlords into helping it solve its own homelessness problem.

Cornwall council says “financial incentives may be available for landlords who can offer suitable accommodation” but insists that’s only part of the benefit.

Its aim, it says, is to “work with people moving on from temporary accommodation and help them settle into long-term homes in the community.”

The council says that “unlike many high street letting services, we provide dedicated support to tenants throughout the tenancy.”

And it tells landlords: “You’ll also get expert help with navigating the new regulations (eg Renters Rights Act, changes in law, Government changes to rental law and so on).”

The authority says the total benefit package includes “financial incentives for eligible properties”; help finding suitable tenants; one-to-one support for tenants throughout the tenancy; early intervention if issues arise; advice from an experienced lettings team; and optional property management services.

And it emphasises that “unlike some other agencies, we have dedicated Tenancy Sustainment Officers, who provide hands-on support, helping to prevent issues become problems.”