Q. | Who offers the scheme? |
| A. | The Housing Department of the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. |
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Q. | What is "Private Leasing" |
| A. | Private Leasing is a scheme under which suitable privately owned properties are leased to the Council on a 1 year, 2 year or 3 year agreement with a guaranteed rent and no commission fees. |
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Q. | What is the property used for? |
| A. | The properties leased under the scheme are used to provide temporary accommodation for homeless households who the Council has a statutory duty to house. Private leased properties are used as an alternative to bed and breakfast accommodation which has often proved to be unsuitable. |
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Q. | How can the rent be guaranteed? |
| A. | As the leasing agreement is between Kingston Council and the private landlord, Kingston Council is the tenant. As the tenant, the Council guarantees to pay the rent monthly as stated in the agreement. This arrangement remains unaffected by the occupation of the property as long as the property remains safe and habitable. |
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Q. | Is anything else paid by the Council? |
| A. | Yes, the Council Tax and the Water Rates are paid by the Council. Gas and electricity bills are taken over by the occupant. |
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Q. | Who is responsible for the upkeep and condition of the property? |
| A. | A detailed schedule of condition is prepared before the lease commences. This schedule forms part of the lease agreement, in which Kingston Council undertakes to return the property in the same condition as it was given to us, allowing for fair wear and tear. The day to day management of the property is dealt with by Kingston Council. The landlord remains responsible for 'the building' and must keept it maintained and insured (including the plumbing, heating and hot water systems) in line with Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985. Any other repairs would be carried out by Kingston Council. No responsibility is taken for any floor coverings, curtains or light shades. In consequence these need not be left/provided. |
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Q. | What about the garden? Who is responsible for the upkeep? |
| A. | All private gardens must be in a tidy and manageable condition at the start of the lease. Kingston Council undertakes to cut any lawns four times per annum between April-October. Any sheds, fencing, trees, hedges, large shrubs etc would remain the landlord's responsibility. |
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Q. | What types of properties would be suitable? |
| A. | Self-contained properties within the Royal Borough of Kingston upon Thames. All properties should be unfurnished, but a cooker must be provided, together with a fixed form of heating in each living room and bedroom. |
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Q. | How do I know if my property is suitable and how is the rent assessed? |
| A. | Kingston Council will visit your property without any obligation to see if it is suitable and to assess the rent we may be able to offer. On that initial visit you will be informed of any remedial works that may need to be carried out. We will also be able to answer any questions you may have about the scheme and explain all the standard requirements, such as gas and electricity test certificates. We will also tell you the weekly rent we are able to offer and this, along with any standard and additional requirements, will be put in writing to you after the visit. |
