Calling all landlords - find out about our new Homefinder scheme

Chichester District Council's new Homefinder Property Management Service is a professional in-house lettings agency for private sector landlords in the Chichester District. The service can provide a guaranteed monthly income to landlords, while helping people who desperately need homes to access quality housing.

An event has been organised for local landlords on Thursday 19 April at 6.30pm in the Committee Rooms at the council offices in East Pallant House, Chichester. This will include the opportunity to meet the Homefinder team and discuss your needs in more detail. If you would like to attend the event, please contact the Homefinder Team.

"The Homefinder scheme offers a complete letting service - ranging from helping to find a tenant, to dealing with all the paperwork and day-to-day running of the property," says Cllr Janet Duncton, Cabinet Member for Housing and Planning at Chichester District Council.

"The recent reduction in the amount of housing benefit payable to private tenants has resulted in fewer private rented properties being made available. We have around 4,500 people on our housing waiting list, and desperately need more quality rented accommodation. This scheme will not only help reduce the waiting list, but also help prevent homelessness by providing more properties for us to use.

"The Homefinder Property Management Service is specifically for landlords who are willing to accept tenants claiming housing benefit. It will also offer grants to help landlords bring properties back into use and meet the required standards.

"Other councils across the country are running successful schemes such as this. And it is making a real difference by helping landlords find tenants and local people find quality housing."

The private sector housing team can offer three levels of support, which can include:

• a guaranteed rental income;
• a free full colour inventory;
• a free energy performance certificate;
• full management of the tenancy;
• access to grants of up to £4,000 to bring the property up to accreditation*; and,
• access to grants of up to £10,000 to bring an empty property back into use*.

For full details on the scheme, please contact the Homefinder Team.

*Terms and conditions apply.

Date: 04 April 2012

Reference: 3092