We have all seen the shocking headlines and watched the
“tell all” TV programmes portraying all Benefit claimants as potential 2 legged
property wrecking scroungers with no intention of paying rent
Sadly when scenes like this are drip fed into our living
rooms and breakfast tables we can be forgiven for thinking this is the norm
rather than the exception.
It is estimated that over 80,000 of the poorest families in
Britain are finding it increasingly difficult to find suitable accommodation
because Landlords have been scared off this section of society convinced they
will not pay their rent, they will cause damage and disruption to the property
and neighbours , so choose instead the “safe” option of renting to tenants in
full time employment – but as we all know in this current unsteady climate we
can all face the possibility of redundancy or the liquidation of the company we
work for.
Centre of Social Justice Director Philippa Stroud commented:
“We understand that for most the era of a guaranteed social sector house for
life is over. However, we must make the private rented sector work better for
low-income families. Currently, the instability caused by not knowing how long
a tenancy will last has a huge impact on children’s education and on parents’
ability to retain a job. -
And as all landlords know, once the rent stops being paid,
it is a very expensive and stressful few months before your once ‘perfect’
tenant is evicted by the bailiff and it is unlikely that you will see the rent
that’s owed to you.
From This...........
So what is the way
forward?
Social lettings agents are not-for-profit so have no big
over heads to cover we don’t advertise on all the big portals and we have the
tenants vetted and ready to move in so you have no void period.
The main benefit of social letting agents is the Rent
Guarantee lease option which pays you an agreed rental every month even if we don’t
receive the rent. Social lettings agents will also cover maintenance costs and
with no renewal fees or added hidden extras the savings just keep coming.
DENs Rent Aid is the Social letting agent for Dacorum in
Hertfordshire, assisting people who for many reasons such as, breakdown of
relationship, loss of job, or family and friends no longer able to accommodate
them, it is not just those with additions or previous rent arrears that find
themselves homeless it really can happen to any one of us.
Social lettings staff are not letting negotiators or deal
closers, they are trained support works with social work and counselling
backgrounds who can not only find housing but also get people off benefits and
into work with training and education, they will also work with tenants to help
resolve problems such as drink and drug addiction, with weekly support meeting
and housing benefit paid directly to the agent they ensure we have already
firmly shut the gate before the horse has considered bolting.
We are always looking for property to rent and offer full
management at ONLY 8% with no added extras, you will receive your rent each
month in full and on time and we will look after the maintenance for your too.
If you have a property and would like more information on
what we do and how it will benefit you are a landlord please call Julie Ford on
01442 253 923 or email Julie.ford@dens.org.uk
