Private Rented Sector Access Team Marcia Williams

Housing (Wales) Act 2014 – Pt 1 Regulation of Private Rented Housing – Pt 2 Homelessness Renting Homes Bill – Tenancy Reform Need to increase supply of good quality affordable private rented properties Improve access to the private rented sector Context

Local authority commitment Developing a corporate approach to the development of the private rented sector Partnership working with The Wallich Steering groups set up - key stakeholders Co-ordinated approach to the delivery of services What has been going on in Swansea?

Meeting local authority need Subject to local market conditions Listening to landlords / agents Listening to tenants Build on relationships already established Avoid duplication Sustainable tenancies Developing a model to meet local need

Access to interest free loans Local authority managing property Landlords forums / updates on legislation and policy Damage deposit guarantee Free Energy Performance Certificates Rent guarantees Free landlord insurance Discounted membership of a landlords association Landlord Survey

Non payment of rent Voids Anti-social behaviour Pre-tenancy training / Tenancy support Support for landlords Landlord Survey - Risks

Affordable rents Landlords accepting Housing Benefit / Local Housing Allowance Preconceptions of different types of tenants Security of tenure Property conditions / repairs Difficulties accessing deposits / rent in advance / guarantors Furnishing properties Tenancy agreements – confusing and difficult to understand Pre–tenancy training Housing Benefit problems Tenancy support Tenant Feedback

Local Authority – Housing Options / Housing Benefit / Public Protection / Tenancy Support Unit / Grants and Loans / Energy Efficiency / Corporate Building Services / LA back office support The Wallich – Swansea Bond Board / Pre-tenancy training / Crisis intervention Expansion of services and support to self managing landlords Relocate The Wallich services into Housing Options Develop a Social Lettings Agency Our response: Co-ordinated partnership approach

Work with a range of landlords and provide a flexible service to meet individual needs Work with registered and licensed landlords All properties will meet a minimum standard Supply of all types of properties available at Local Housing Allowance levels Prevent instances of homelessness from occurring Provide suitable and affordable long term housing solutions Landlords will have belief and confidence in a service operated by the Local Authority & The Wallich Our Hopes:

Free HHSRS inspection Access to interest free loans 1 point of contact Energy efficiency advice Discounted gas safety inspections and Energy Performance Certificates Access to local authority building services Access to tenancy and legal advice for both tenants and landlords Mediation - increased work with landlords to prevent homelessness Training events / forums Our Landlord Offer “under development”

Links with Credit Union Furnishings for PRS properties Access to practical advice and support – promote good practice Access to Bonds and assistance to apply for rent in advance HB / LHA / Welfare Reform support and assistance to apply for direct payments Pre-tenancy health checks Access to Pre-tenancy training / crisis intervention and longer term tenancy support (The Wallich and Tenancy Support Unit) Our Landlord Offer “under development”

Increase supply of good quality affordable private rented properties Improve access to the Private Rented Sector Provide support to landlords and tenants Tenancy sustainment at the heart of all PRS access schemes. Want to start building links with landlords Finally:

Thank you for listening