Working With MILTON KEYNES COUNCIL HOMES IN PARTNERSHIP The Team Sharon Webb 01908 253018 Danny Morris 01908 253452 Michelle Sabin 01908 253662 Lynda Bull Corporate Director Housing & Community Group Jane Reed Assistant Director Housing Reply to Milton Keynes Council Accommodation Development Team E-Mail accomdevteam@milton-keynes.gov.uk Dear Prospective Landlord Thank you for the interest you have shown in joining our Homes In Partnership ‘Tenant Introduction Service’ for advertising and letting your property. Milton Keynes Council has been working successfully with private sector landlords for over 13 years. During this time, we have assisted more than 2000 families to secure long-term private rented accommodation. Our comprehensive service is free and ensures the best outcome for both landlord wishing to let their properties and for families in need. As part of our duty to provide safe housing for members of the community, we assist tenants by providing suitable accommodation. Clients with a housing need are interviewed by experienced officers who assess their eligibility and ability to pay rent. Subject to meeting the relevant criteria, families are offered access to our property pool, where they may select a property of a suitable size and location which is affordable for the household. Homes in Partnership is suitable for both new and experienced landlords who wish to let their properties, but do not have time to advertise, interview and secure tenants and want to avoid the ever increasing letting agents’ charges and costs of advertising. Do you need to let your property quickly to prevent lengthy void periods and loss of income? FAST-TRACK your property by returning copies of all up-to-date documentation with the enclosed registration form. Please see the reverse of the registration form for further information about documents required. We look forward to working with you to provide housing choices for our local community. Working With MILTON KEYNES COUNCIL HOMES IN PARTNERSHIP All Services Offered Are FREE Financial Security Guaranteed full rent covered by the council for the first 12 months of the tenancy. This is a full rent guarantee, not limited to any Housing Benefit limit.* Wilful damage costs covered by the council for the first 12 months of the tenancy.* Lifetime rent deposit guarantee after the first 12 months (to the value of first month’s rent), for each tenancy secured.* No obligation requiring landlords to place deposit monies in secure deposit protection schemes. Housing Benefit entitlement paid direct to the Landlord. Making it easier to find tenants No advertising costs as tenants are secured on the Landlords behalf. No obligation for the Landlord to accept the prospective tenant. Tenants are introduced via a property viewing prior to completion of contracts, and relevant details will be made available. No agency set-up or tenant finder fees or intermittent administration charges applied for tenancy renewal. Dedicated support and guidance Support line for tenancy and legal advice via membership of a recognised Landlords’ Association paid by the council for the first 12 months of the tenancy. Support from the council from the start. An experienced officer will assist with tenant introduction, completion of benefit applications, and more. Help in developing a successful relationship between landlord and tenant. Ongoing council support throughout the lifetime of the tenancy, including early tenancy visit and further visits. Data shared between landlord, tenant and the council to ensure relevant changes in circumstances which affect the tenancy are shared.* Additional governance Assured Shorthold Tenancy Agreement and Starter Pack will be provided. A photographic inventory will be recorded at the start of any tenancy. Following inspection and at the landlord’s request, Milton Keynes Council will agree and sign any written inventory provided. All legally required Immigration and Eligibility Tests will be completed by a council officer. * Terms and conditions apply. Contact the Accommodation Development Team for details. PROPERTY REGISTRATION FORM Please complete and return this form to register your property and request and initial inspection HOW DID YOU HEAR ABOUT OUR SERVICE? ADDRESS OF PROPERTY TO LET POST CODE DO YOU OWN THE PROPERTY? IS THE PROPERTY EMPTY OR TENANTED? WHAT TYPE OF PROPERTY IS THIS? (House, bungalow, flat. If it is a flat, which floor is it on?) HOW MANY BEDROOMS DOES THE PROPERTY HAVE? (number of single or double rooms) OTHER: Number of bathrooms, other rooms, garage, garden, type of neighbourhood, etc WHAT CONDITION IS THE PROPERTY IN? (Excellent / Good / Requiring Work) YOUR DETAILS OWNER / LANDLORD NAME Note: If you are not the owner of the property, you will need a letter of authority from the owner giving you permission to let and manage this property on his or her behalf Address of Owner / Landlord Post code Mobile Home Work Email I would like to register an interest in letting my property using the services of Milton Keynes Council. I understand that I will need to provide necessary safety documentation and prepare the property before an initial inspection takes place Signed ………..…………………………………………….... Date …………………………………..…. You will need to provide necessary safety documentation and prepare the property before an initial inspection takes place. PROPERTY DOCUMENTATION REQUIREMENTS Prior to any inspection the following documents & actions are required for reasons of Health & Safety Compliance Proof of ownership: Land Registry certificate, Solicitors letter confirming purchase of property, current mortgage statement. If the property is being managed by a third party, a letter of authority will be required from the owner noting alternative representation Gas Safety Certificate with any defects remedied If you are a landlord letting a property equipped with gas appliances you need to understand and comply with the law relating to gas safety. If you let a property, you must ensure that pipe-work, appliances and flues provided for tenants are maintained in a safe condition. You need to have a gas safety check every year. A Gas Safe Registered Engineer must carry out the safety check in your properties. You must give your tenants a copy of the gas safety record within 28 days of it being carried out or before they move in. For more information visit the Gas Safe website: http://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/advice/renting_a_property/for_landlords.aspx Electrical Installation Condition Report (with grade 1 & 2 defects remedied and agreement to carry out further defects in the first 6 months of the tenancy) A formal periodic inspection and test should be carried out at least once every 5 years or on the change of tenancy. This periodic inspection and testing should only be carried out by someone competent to do so, such as an ECA or NICEIC qualified electrician. For more information visit the NICEIC website: http://niceic.com/ Energy Performance Certificate All properties must have an Energy Performance Certificate (EPC). This inspection can only be provided by a qualified Domestic Energy Assessor. A copy of the EPC must be provided to all prospective tenants at the point when the property is ready for viewing. For more information visit the NICEIC website: http://www.direct.gov.uk/Energyperformancecertificates/index.htm Landlord’s Insurance including buildings and other essential cover Important Note: All safety certificates must be provided with any defects remedied. Copies of documents can be provided either prior to or at the property inspection