Welcome to … Presentation by Rachel Chiu E: rachel@springhousing.org.uk

Spring Housing Association is a social letting agency founded in 2014. We are a charity working with people in need of accommodation and tenancy related support across the West Midlands. We work in conjunction with the private sector to provide general needs and specialist services to: People who are homeless or at risk of homelessness Refugees Care leavers We deliver a range of person centred services to support individuals to obtain, maintain and sustain accommodation long term.

Spring Housing Association Aims and Mission Statement To Provide high quality accommodation for people in housing need. To prevent and reduce Homelessness. To assist people on a journey away from housing need towards a future of stability, happiness and independence. Mission Statement “To Create long term prosperity by investing to prevent homelessness, poverty and social isolation and to inspire and unlock peoples potential.”

Where we work We work currently across 6 local authorities: Young People Refugee Homelessness Birmingham  Sandwell Staffordshire Shropshire Worcester Wolverhampton

Our Business Model Lease accommodation from Private Sector Landlords Rent PSL Properties for those in housing need We work with landlords Before During & After Sign up.

Leasing to Spring No agency / letting fees All lease documentation work undertaken by Spring Guaranteed rental income, no voids Overall management of day to day and emergency housing management issues Checks to properties Supporting vulnerable people to obtain accommodation All day to day repairs are managed by our In house repairs team We only work with quality, reputable landlords

Flexible arrangements for property . We have been approached directly by a number of buy to let landlords – accidental landlords who wish to let properties for a social purpose, these include to refugees, and homeless families. Approx 10 properties . Hope Projects – approached by landlords in the same way as above. They hold the lease, we manage the properties. Tenants are refugee families, they work or claim benefits. We agree a fee with Hope Projects which provides income for their work. Working with a housing association to convert a former care home to shared living.

Our Relationship with Landlords Before Lease During Lease After Lease Expires Source Properties Full repair Lease (bar Structural) View and agree Schedule of conditions Health & Safety Certificates Spring draft legal documents Rent payments in advance Keys handed over Weekly checks on property Spring undertake all housing management functions Repairs, ASBO, rents Spring undertakes annual and periodic checks No VOID LOSS to landlord – guaranteed rental income Named relationship advisory Notice provided in line with lease Property returned in line with Schedule of Conditions

Our Experience Spring currently works with over 70 landlords across 6 different local authorities providing over 530 units of accommodation to those in need. We have experience of working with Private Sector Landlords and also other housing associations We support a wide range of clients-

How we make a difference… housed over 600 people, who have used Spring as a stepping stone into securing longer term housing, employment, training and volunteering opportunities. 327 people in that period have had a positive move on to their own accommodation. We have supported people to access health services and social care. 44 of our customers have found work with our support. 54 people accessed our rent relief fund. 64 people are in engaged in formal training/volunteering. 6 tenants have been employed by Spring, 6 employed externally through volunteering route.  60% of our tenants are refugees

Rachel Chiu – Head of Business Development Email: rachel@springhousing.org.uk