Landlords of houses in multiple occupation (HMO) are being targeted by the Council in partnership with the police and Moat Care and Repair, with a scheme to improve security of rented premises.
The Secure Accommodation Scheme (SAS) has been set up to reduce the many incidents of burglary that occur in HMO properties around the town. Landlords of rented properties that are identified as being at risk, will be eligible for discounts on hardware to secure their properties, eg locks.
Property owners interested in the scheme will be asked to complete an application form. Following that, the Council and Moat Care and Repair will carry out a security survey, which will pinpoint areas for improvement.
Landlords will then be offered a 75 per cent discount on all security hardware supplied and fitted. Locks usually cost around £70, but members of the scheme will be able to purchase them for just £16.
Once the work has been completed, the landlord will become an accredited member of the scheme and his/her properties will display a Secure Accommodation Scheme certificate(SAS). The scheme has been made possible by a £72,000 Home Office grant, and is due to run until March 2002. However, if the scheme is successful it could carry on.
Mr Mick Older, Landlord of two properties has made sure that both his properties are accredited. He said: “The scheme is excellent. I’ve had favourable responses from my tenants and I’m very happy to support the Secure Accommodation Scheme.” Mr. Terry Grant, Chairman of the Hastings branch of SPLA and Vice Chairman of the Executive Committee, said: “The Sussex Private Landlords Association fully endorse the Secure Accommodation Scheme.” Acting Inspector Mark Bright, Senlac Division, Sussex Police is involved in the scheme.
Sussex Police fully support the SA scheme. Tenants gain the benefit of added security and reduced risk of burglary. Landlords gain the benefit of positive publicity, support from tenants and increased security at little cost. ONLY THE BURGLAR LOSES OUT !
David Hartnoll, Security Project Manager, Moat Care and Repair, said: Moat Care and Repair have a well motivated team who work well together, paving the way for working with Hastings Borough Council and Sussex Police in the Secure Accommodation Scheme. To date, the scheme has helped 97 Hastings and St. Leonards residents, making their homes a safer place.
Councillor Trevor Webb, Cabinet Member responsible for Community Safety and Quality of Life, said: “This scheme will play an important part in tackling the problem of domestic burglary in the town. I am delighted that we have managed to establish such a strong working partnership with all the parties involved. “
The Secure Accommodation Scheme is a great opportunity for landlords and managing agents to take advantage of security hardware supplied for a quarter of the usual cost and fitted for free. The benefits are clear to those already involved and I’m hoping that we can attract many more people to the scheme.”
All landlords interested in the scheme must have HMO properties. Please contact the HMO Landlord Liaison Officer on 781444 for more information.
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This page last updated: 06/04/2001