How does the Homes 4 U Scheme Work?
Homes 4 U is a rent deposit guarantee scheme. It offers private landlords a bond guarantee that will indemnify them against rent loss or damage beyond fair wear and tear. The bond will be up to the value of 1½ months rent.
The Homes 4 U team will advise you of suitable prospective tenants to view your property. If you accept the tenant an independent inventory check and housing health and safety check will be completed free of charge.
Once you accept a tenant you are eligible to make use of our HomeSTEP service. This team is dedicated to offering advice and assistance to both landlord and tenant to ensure a successful tenancy.
At the end of the tenancy, should you have any reason to claim against the bond your claim will be dealt with quickly and efficiently on receipt of documentation supporting the claim.
Homes 4 U is designed to help landlords assist single people, couples or families; therefore properties of all sizes are always required.
All services provided by Homes 4 U and HomeSTEP are free of charge.
What do Homes 4 U and HomeSTEP offer Landlords?
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Tenancy Deposit Protection legislation does not apply to bond/guarantee deposits
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Independent inventory services will ensure fair resolution to any property condition disputes
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Partnership working with The National Federation of Residential Landlords
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Saves you money in advertising and agency fees
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Free property inspections in line with Housing Health and Safety Rating System legislation
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A continuous supply of prospective tenants to reduce void periods
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HomeSTEP offers ongoing advice and support during the tenancy
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The final choice of tenants
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A fast track Housing Benefit service
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Invitations to landlord forums and meetings relevant to your business
What is the Local Housing Allowance?
The Local Housing Allowance (LHA) is the new name for Housing Benefits claimed by tenants living in private rented accommodation. As a pathfinder Council for this new scheme we are proud to be operating using a new and more transparent approach to Housing Benefits.
Under the LHA scheme Guildford Borough Council publishes rent levels for properties in the borough based on the number of rooms they contain and their location. Rent levels are updated monthly and are set by the Rent Service, a publicly funded body external to the Council.
LHA amounts can be found below.
Rent levels November 2008
| Property Size |
Guildford, Woking, Godalming |
Ash, Farnham, Aldershot |
| Shared Accommodation |
£395 |
£350 |
| Studio or 1 Bedroom |
£695 |
£625 |
| 2 Bedroom, 1 Reception |
£900 |
£775 |
| 3 Bedroom, 1 Reception |
£1200 |
£950 |
| 4 Bedroom, 1 Reception or 3 Bedroom, 2 Reception |
£1685 |
£1400 |
| 5 Bedroom, 1 Reception or 4 Bedroom, 2 Reception |
£2750 |
£1900 |
The LHA allows landlords and tenants alike to be clear about the amount of Housing Benefit they will receive, this also speeds up the process of initiating a tenancy and a claim for benefit. The LHA will normally be paid direct to the tenant every fortnight.
What we ask of you?
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To meet standards of health and safety for your property in line with current legislation.
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To attend the tenancy sign-up meeting at the Council offices.
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To work with the Homes 4 U and HomeSTEP teams to resolve any disputes.
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To advise the Homes 4 U team of any tenancy breaches immediately.
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To comply with the terms of both your tenancy agreement and the Council’s bond agreement.
Our Commitment
The Homes 4 U and HomeSTEP teams are available throughout the period of the tenancy to help with any issues should they arise.
Important Notice to Landlords
Whilst the Homes 4 U and HomeSTEP team will work with you to achieve successful tenancies we cannot remove the risk that landlords take in letting their properties.
What Next?
If you are interested in letting your property through Homes 4 U please contact the Homes 4 U team for further information and to request a landlord information pack.
Housing Advice Centre
Guildford Borough Council
Millmead House
Millmead
Guildford
Surrey
GU2 4BB
Tel: 01483 444267
Email: homes4u@guildford.gov.uk
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