Landlords in Milton Keynes to receive incentives for longer tenancies

Milton Keynes Council is offering up to £2,670 as a cash incentive for landlords who are able to offer longer tenancies to families that have been made homeless by the current private rental sector.

The Council is reaching out to landlords to secure assured shorthold tenancies (ASTs) of at least six months to support people in need of housing.

Landlords will be offered a cash incentive to convert current temporary accommodation licenses to ASTs or introduce new rental properties into the market, with the financial incentive determined based on the size of the property.

The scheme will also help landlords find tenants, alongside carrying out free inspections to ensure the property meets Housing Health and Safety Rating System standards and supporting landlords in bringing properties up to the required standard, and making it so that landlords could receive benefit payments directly.

Cllr Emily Darlington, cabinet member for adults, housing and healthy communities at Milton Keynes Council, said: ‘The insecure nature of the private rental market in MK is failing families.  With the government bringing back no fault evictions, we are seeing the rise of residents let down by the short termism of the rental market and left at risk of homelessness despite being in work.

‘Everyone in MK has the right to a decent home and having longer tenancies gives people the security they need while they consider their long-term options.  This is not a problem that the council can fix on its own, so I’d strongly encourage any landlords who want to help people in MK to get in touch if they have properties to let.’

The cash incentive will be paid directly to landlords in addition to any rent in advance or deposit required.

In related news, property management group, Orchard & Shipman, has secured £85m of funding to provide up to 300 affordable housing units in a joint venture with Bromley Council.

Photo by HiveBoxx