Council launches free new lettings service
Test Valley Borough Council has launched Test Valley Lettings, a new free service, which will see the authority manage tenancies on behalf of private landlords in return for renting their properties to those in need of housing.
The service provides a model where separate landlord and tenant liaison officers work in partnership together. This will help to create sustainable and long-lasting tenancies by offering unique support to both landlord and tenant.
As well as matching suitable tenants to properties, Test Valley Lettings will organise and arrange viewings for applicants, undertake inventories and provide tenancy advice for landlords.
They will also carry out regular inspections, act as the first point of contact for any maintenance requests and undertake an end of tenancy deep clean in properties that have been let to one of their tenants for more than one year.
Landlords will also receive free, full National Landlord Association membership.
Portfolio holder for housing and environmental health, Councillor Phil Bundy, said: “Simply providing housing isn’t enough as we need to try to secure successful long-term tenancies. And we’re here to make it as easy as possible for tenants and landlords to achieve that.
“This is a really exciting and innovative step that we hope will benefit a huge number of people who need help or expertise in getting a strong tenancy up and running.
“If you have a house or flat you’d like to let then please get in touch and we’ll look after your tenancy completely free of charge.”
Landlords interested in accessing the free new service, can contact the Test Valley Lettings team on 01264 368128 or by emailingtvl@testvalley.gov.uk.