CHESHIRE West and Chester Council is aiming to meet housing demands in the borough by working with private landlords.

The new Private Rented Sector (PRS) Service aims to increase the supply of quality affordable private rented housing for singles, couples and families in need of housing.  The Council say the PRS Service will also help those at risk of losing their private rented tenancy and try to prevent evictions, through mediation and interventions to address tenancy issues.

The private rented sector is vital to help meet housing need within the borough. More people now live in private rental homes compared to the social housing sector. Competition for affordable rental accommodation is high and loss of a private rent is one of the main causes of homelessness.

The Council says it is committed to reducing the numbers of households living in forms of temporary accommodation. By helping landlords achieve stable lets, the Council says it will help sustain independent successful tenancies and reduce homelessness.

The PRS Service will offer landlords a free tenant matching service putting forward a choice of tenants who are ‘Tenancy Ready’ with the skills and ability to maintain a successful and sustainable tenancy. Gratuities of up to £500 and other incentives are provided for landlords. Landlords and tenants are supported throughout the tenancy period, with advice and guidance, and tenancy mediation.

Cllr Christine Warner, Cabinet Member for Homes, Planning and Safer Communities, said:

“Many residents in Cheshire West and Chester are facing difficult times and the housing market is tough for people. Housing is a basic need and we want to make sure that everyone has a place to call home. We cannot solve housing issues through social housing alone.

“There are many good landlords in Cheshire West and Chester and we are proud to work with landlords and agents providing quality homes already through our Landlords Forum, and are looking forward to working with even more landlords with our new offer of the PRS Service. At the same time, we will continue to tackle landlords who are not meeting the required standards in providing quality safe housing for residents.

“In providing an attractive offer to landlords, building relationships, and providing tenancy support, we want to encourage more landlords to work with the Council to help those in need of housing to find a suitable, safe and affordable home.”

The Council also runs a Landlords Forum to work with private sector landlords to help meet housing needs in the borough.

Organised in partnership with the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA), the Forum will meet at 5pm on Thursday 21 November at Ellesmere Port Civic Hall.

The Forum is part of the Council’s working with landlords to increase supply of quality, safe and well-managed accommodation.

Further information is available via the Council website.