Chelmsford landlords will be letting for less after reaching a compromise with the Borough Council.

Two new schemes have arisen in response to high house prices and a shortage of affordable homes in the borough.

These schemes will enable people identified by the council to be struggling, to meet their housing needs and get back onto the lettings ladder.

Both innovative schemes were launched by the council's Strategic Housing Services and will help to provide better quality housing for the residents in the Borough who are in need of housing.

The first scheme involves the council leasing and managing 10 properties in the borough from private landlords for a fixed term of three years.

Although responsibilities for maintenance of the properties will remain with the landlords, an annual bond will be provided by the council which should cover any cost for damage caused by the tenant.

The second scheme will provide the landlord with a guarantee to meet the costs of one month's rent deposit and up to one month's rental against any possible damage done to the property by the tenant.

The council is also offering £125 towards the cost of set up of the tenancy regardless of whether the property is being let through the landlord or a rental agent.

However this amount will only be paid once, on the basis that the Assured Shorthold Tenancy is for a minimum of 12 months.

Any landlord or agent interested in finding out further details about these two new schemes should contact the accommodation manager on 01245 606238 or e-mail:accommodation@chelmsfordbc.gov.uk for informal advice or a landlord's information pack.

Published Tuesday January 6, 2004

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