Rental Support Scheme

The Rental Support Scheme is a free service to landlords ...

If you own a property within the Borough of Elmbridge and are considering letting privately then look no further, the Rental Support Scheme can offer you all the help you need and at no charge!
We realise that letting your property can be complicated, costly and a bit daunting. There are no problems with most lettings but there can be traps for the inexperienced. We focus on providing a service that is as straightforward as possible.

The Rental Support Scheme help landlords overcome these problems by offering advice, assistance and support with the letting process.
Elmbridge Borough Council now operate two optional schemes to landlords when letting their property. These are, the Deposit Guarantee Scheme and Rent Deposit Scheme.

Deposit Guarantee Scheme

The Deposit Guarantee is a cashless deposit which works like a bond and is provided to the landlord to secure private rented accommodation for tenants that are introduced by the Council. One of the main advantages of opting for the Deposit Guarantee is that a landlord would be exempt from legislation regarding tenancy deposit protection schemes. The landlord can still make a claim for any damages caused by the tenant during the letting and/or rent arrears (maximum of 2 weeks).

Advantages of the Deposit Guarantee

• Landlords are not obligated to register the deposit with a tenancy deposit protection scheme.
• The Deposit Guarantee does not involve any third parties (so quicker to administer).
• You can still make a claim for damages that are beyond fair wear & tear and/or rent arrears (up to a maximum of 2 weeks).
• When the tenant vacates a checkout inspection will take place with the Council and the landlord and further to reasonable quotes provided, the Council will re-imbues the landlord for any agreed deductions within 7 days.
• The Council will provide the Bond agreement and an Assured Shorthold Tenancy agreement.

The first Landlord to receive a Bond was Madeleine Neslany who said : "This scheme makes absolute sense. It means I am able to let my property quickly and efficiently through the Rental Support Scheme with the minimum effort on my part".

The Rent Deposit Scheme

Under this scheme the Council pay a deposit to the landlord. This is normally an equivalent of 1 months rent and is provided at the commencement of the tenancy. The landlord is then obligated to have the deposit protected by a government tenancy deposit protection scheme. It is the landlords responsibility to choose which tenancy deposit protection scheme they prefer and provide confirmation of the chosen scheme provider to the Council and their tenant within the 14 days of receipt.
If the landlord fails to protect the deposit they may be subject to penalties. A tenant could successfully claim up to three times the amount of the deposit additionally, a landlord would not successfully be granted possession of their property if the deposit remains unprotected.

The main advantages of the Schemes are:-

• Free introduction of suitable tenants;
• Free marketing of your property
• Reasonable rental income;
• A Deposit Guarantee
• Preparation of an Inventory
• Long-term lettings (minimum 12 months tenancy)
• Fast-tracking of Housing Benefit claims
• An end of tenancy check-out inspection
• A dedicated team to offer support and advice during the letting
• There are no charges for using the Scheme

The Rental Support Scheme have been working with private landlords and encouraging them to continue to let their empty properties to families that really need somewhere to live who have approached the Council for help.

Many landlords have been impressed by the free service available by the Council and have let their property out for many years and will continue to do so as a long-term investment.
We have also successfully worked with local agencies and would welcome any further interest in accepting tenants claiming Local Housing Allowance.

Terms and conditions

For landlords to qualify for the scheme they must agree the terms and conditions listed below when letting their property:-

• Vacant possession
• Proof of ownership
• Electrical and Gas certificates
• Energy Performance Certificate
• Understand that they Manage the tenancy (repairs/maintenance)
• Sign and agree to the terms & conditions of the landlords deposit guarantee agreement
• Committed to our equal opportunities policy

Links to further information:

|Rental Support Scheme - Landlords Bond Leaflet

|A Guide for landlords on Private Sector Renting through the Rental Support Scheme

|Directgov- Housing Private Renting advice