Property Links

Property Links matches people facing homelessness with private landlords looking for long-term tenants.

Unlike many letting schemes, we don’t believe in a one size fits all approach. We tailor our support for each tenant, based upon their needs.

We also work in partnership with other agencies to provide advice to landlords.

Landlords Forum: 31 January 2024

We are inviting private sector landlords to attend our Westmorland and Furness Landlord Forum which is taking place in Kendal Town Hall on 31 January 2024, from 5pm to 7pm.

Landlords will receive invaluable updates from a panel made up of representatives from the Council’s Housing team, the National Residential Landlords Association and the Department of Work and Pensions.

The session will tackle key topics such as central government policy changes and future expectations as well as direct benefit payments to landlords including recent changes and uplifts.

There will also be networking opportunities and information available from other partners including Property Links.

Admission is free, but pre-booking is mandatory to ensure a place. To register, email david.fincham@westmorlandandfurness.gov.uk. Refreshments will be provided.

Property Links scheme benefits for landlords

• It’s free - no finder’s fee, or commission.
• You retain full control over your property.
• Income assessments completed on potential tenants.
• A housing assessment.
• Full photographic inventory at the start of the tenancy.
• Assistance for tenants to claim housing benefit, or universal credit.
• Support with paperwork.
• Support, advice and signposting to reduce disagreements between landlords and tenants.
• No obligation to take the tenant.
• Regular tenancy inspections during the first 12 months.

Landlord’s obligations

Properties must be free of risks, which could pose a danger to tenants, or visitors and must meet the following criteria:

• Have a current gas safety certificate, if there is gas in the property.
• Have an electrical safety check, carried out by a qualified and competent person.
• The property must be in a reasonable physical condition
• Any furniture provided must meet fire safety standards
• You must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) unless the property is listed. The EPC rating must not be below Band E
• You must provide at least one smoke alarm on each floor of the property
• You must provide a carbon monoxide alarm in any room used as living accommodation that contains a fixed combustion appliance (excluding gas cookers).
• You must have a current buildings insurance policy
• You must provide proof of property ownership.
• You must place any cash deposit into an approved deposit protection scheme.
• You must provide your tenants with a ‘How to Rent’ booklet.

Are you a landlord? Are you tired of paying letting fees? Would you like a free, tailor made service matching tenants and landlords?

Contact Eden Property Links on the details below about Property Links, our private rented accommodation scheme.