Exeter City Council to re-launch pioneering Extralet scheme in bid to tackle waiting list

Published by Jon Land for 24dash.com in Housing

Landlords and individuals who own properties in Exeter that are available for rent are actively being sought by the City Council.

The authority is relaunching its popular and pioneering Extralet scheme, which offers owners a guaranteed rent for the property in return for it being made available for people on the council's waiting list.

The groundbreaking scheme was initially set up in 2006 to bridge  the shortage of affordable housing in the city. The council works closely with private sector landlords to build up a  portfolio of homes that are made available to people in housing need. 

Extralet has attracted a great deal of national attention and been used as a model for other local authorities across the country.

Following a restructure of the scheme the the council is now looking for new properties, with particular demand for two bedroom houses with some secure outside space.

Councillor Laura Newton, Lead Councillor for Housing and Community Involvement, said: "Extralet offers great value for landlords with lots of extras thrown in, at a very competitive management fee.

"Those getting involved will also have the knowledge that their property will be providing a much needed home for households in need." 

Benefits include:

• A rent and damage deposit guarantee to the value of 6 months rent
• An energy performance certificate
• Gas and electrical safety tests
• An asbestos survey
• A detailed inventory/condition report
• Regular maintenance inspections

All properties accepted on to the scheme need to meet the Council's ‘Decent Homes Standard’.

Public Sector Renewal Grants are available to landlords accepted on to the scheme to help towards the cost of any required works.

Grants can be used for re-wiring, defective kitchens and bathrooms, decoration, carpets, adequate heating and thermal efficiency measures.

Prospective tenants are referred to Extralet by the Councils Housing Advice team and are households, including single people, who are in housing need or are at risk of becoming homeless.

Households may find themselves in housing need due to the ending of an assured shorthold tenancy, relationship breakdown, or their family no longer being able to accommodate them.  Most will have been managing successfully beforehand in the private rental sector.

The rents payable are in line with the Local Housing Allowance rates in Exeter at the start of the tenancy.  Most tenants will be in receipt of Local Housing Allowance.  The intention is that the tenancies should be affordable, sustainable and offer a long term housing solution.

Extralet will be officially re-launched at the National Landlords Forum at The Jurys Inn on the 28 October at 6pm.

Members of the Extralet/Empty Homes Partnership team will be available to answer any questions that prospective landlords may have about the scheme.  Alternatively any interested parties are invited to contact Sue Haigh at Exeter City Council on 01392 265819 or sue.haigh@exeter.gov.uk.