Private Sector Lettings Scheme

Free tenant finder service

If you are a private landlord or agent looking to let your property we can introduce you to tenants through the Bradford Council Private Sector Lettings Scheme.

What is the purpose of the Private Sector Lettings Scheme?

To use properties in the private rented sector to help house people in housing need. We have families with children, single people, couples and older people looking for good quality private rent accommodation.

How the scheme works

The scheme successfully pairs customers with landlords in the private sector. As a landlord, you will still have full management of the property.

You are not restricted to waiting for us to provide you with a tenant. You can look for a tenant elsewhere whilst the property is on our list.

If one of our customers is interested in your property, a Private Rented Options Officer will contact you to arrange a convenient time for viewing.

If you are not satisfied with the potential tenant when you meet them then you do not have to accept them.

If a letting is agreed, the Council can provide up to four weeks rent in advance at the start of a tenancy.

How do you benefit?

• It’s free - no finders fee
• We advertise your property to potential tenants
• We have a list of potential tenants ready and waiting
• Competitive rental income
• Rent in Advance up to four weeks
• You retain full control over your property
• Ongoing support offered for tenants and landlords to ensure the tenancy is running smoothly
• Assistance for tenants to claim any Housing Benefit or Universal Credit they may be entitled to
• Assistance with Right to Rent checks
• Income assessments completed on potential tenants
• A dedicated team offering a free service to help you every step of the way
• You don’t have to take the tenant if you don’t want to

What sort of properties are suitable?

The Council is looking for properties of all sizes across Bradford District.

Before any property is accepted onto the scheme the property will be inspected by one of the Council's housing experts to ensure it meets minimum standards. We will also need to see a number of valid certificates prior to acceptance onto the scheme. These are a Gas Safety Certificate, a Periodical Inspection of the Electrical Installation Certificate and an Energy Performance Certificate.

The Council expects landlords to let on the basis of an assured shorthold tenancy under the Housing Act 1996.

Can a tenant claiming Housing Benefit be offered a property under this scheme?

Most of the households benefiting from this scheme will be entitled to Housing Benefit to help them meet the cost of paying their rent.

If a tenant is not entitled to maximum Housing Benefit, the shortfall between the full rent and the benefit entitlement must be met by the tenant. In some cases the tenant may be entitled to discretionary housing payments to cover those costs.

Could a tenant contact me directly?

Yes. There is a high demand for social housing, particularly in certain areas, and we therefore encourage customers to also look for private rented accommodation if there is likely to be a long wait for social housing.

If you are approached in this way, please contact the Private Rented Housing Options team on 01274 434661 as you still may be able to take advantage of some of the benefits of the Private Sector Lettings Scheme.

What happens if there are problems?

The Council's Private Sector Lettings Scheme cannot remove all the risks which landlords take in letting any property. However, the Council will endeavour to ensure that the tenancy is conducted satisfactorily and rent paid regularly.

The Council will carry out free periodic tenancy checks for the first six month of the tenancy, visit the property and liaise with the landlord. We will mediate in any disputes between the landlord and the tenants and will advise the landlord about the law relating to tenancies and how to end them.

What do I need to do next?

Contact the Private Sector Lettings Scheme who will then arrange to view your property.

The Council is not able to provide references on behalf of tenants. However, officers will carry out suitability assessment of all applicants and only recommend customers that we believe to be suitable for private rented accommodation. Please remember that there is no obligation to accept anyone referred by the Council.

You will be required to provide a current Gas Safety Certificate completed by a Gas Safe registered engineer at the start of the tenancy and annually from then on.

You will also be required to provide an Energy Performance Certificate.

All properties require fire detection. The level of detection is dependent on the layout of the property. An assessment will be made at the time of inspection and you will be advised of the type of detection required. The minimum standard is interlinked smoke detection at each landing level but high risk properties will require a mains detection system.

Once the paperwork has been completed, the tenancy can begin on a date agreed between you and your tenant.

Rent levels

If you would like information on the rent your property could achieve, you can request a free property appraisal from us. At the appointment a member of our private rented housing options team will talk you through details and answer any questions.

For more information please contact us.