Torbay Council offers support as rate of tenants becoming homeless spikes

‘Save the tenancy – don’t serve notice.’ That’s the message as Landlords and tenants are being asked to get in touch with Torbay Council to help reduce and prevent homelessness in the Bay.

The aim is to encourage tenants to contact the Council for advice if they think they may be at risk of being served notice, and also support landlords who are either struggling to let out their properties or who may need additional support with their tenants to prevent the need to serve notice on them.

The Council also wants to remind landlords of the Tenancy Matching Scheme which helps to match 'tenancy ready' clients with local landlords and looks at suitability based on things like suitability and affordability of the property.

Councillor Hayley Tranter, Cabinet Member for Adult and Community Services, Public Health and Inequalities, said: “Over the past few weeks we have seen a bit of a spike in tenants becoming homeless and needing temporary accommodation, and we obviously want to avoid this happening wherever possible.

“Our main message here is that prevention is better than cure – save the tenancy, don’t serve notice. So whether you are a tenant at risk of being served notice or a landlord experiencing issues our housing officers are here to help.

“Our tenancy matching scheme also offers support for landlords including finding suitable tenants for your property, deposit and rent in advance to minimise delays in letting your property, ongoing support for you as long as the tenant lives at the property, and a review of each tenancy at the end of the first six months.”

Services Torbay Council can offer

• Tenancy rescue service:
  Advice for both landlord and tenant.
  Up to date guidance on current legislation.
  Dedicated links and partnership working with DWP.
  Direct contact details via mobile phone and email.
  Tenancy sustainment.

• Tenant ready service:
  Affordability and suitability checks.
  Previous landlord reference.
  Local housing allowance payments direct to landlord.
  Budgeting advice.
  Tenant and landlord guide to rights and responsibilities.
  Accompanied viewings.
  Tenant matching.
  One to one meeting with landlords/agents/tenants.
  
  Landlords or tenants can also contact the Council by emailing landlordliaison@torbay.gov.uk or call 01803 208723.