Landlords encouraged to take more council tenants

A Surrey council has invited landlords to a forum in a bid to help people trying to find accommodation.

Epsom and Ewell Borough Council is hosting the event on 23 September.

It will highlight new legislation to help landlords take on households being supported by the council.

There will also be advice on making properties more eco-friendly and improving the Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) needed to rent out a property.

Landlords will be told about the Private Sector Leasing Scheme, which allows local authorities to directly rent properties from private landlords for between three and five years.

There will also be information on the Rent Deposit Scheme, through which councils support tenants with deposits and guarantees.

Clive Woodbridge, chair of community and wellbeing at the council, said: “Our housing team work regularly with private landlords to ensure families in need can be housed in the local area.

“The Landlords’ Forum is opportunity to nurture existing relationships with landlords, make connections with new landlords who are not aware of the services and help the council can offer, and enable networking with the National Residential Landlord’s Association and Department of Work and Pensions.”

The event takes place at Bourne Hall in Ewell between 18:00 and 20:00 BST.

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