FOI request (FOIR-595043261)

Renting out a property for social housing

Requested Wed 13 March 2024
Responded Fri 12 July 2024

I'm emailing councils asking about rent for social housing as I'm looking to purchase a property and help the community at the same time.  I'm wondering what is the perfect base to set up, hoping to build the portfolio in the future and to live near. 

I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with information on the following aspects regarding renting a property for social housing purposes:

1. Eligibility Criteria:
   - What are the specific eligibility criteria for tenants to qualify for social housing in your program?
   - Are there any particular requirements or preferences regarding the property itself in terms of size, location, or amenities?

2. Rental Agreement:
   - What type of rental agreement does your council typically enter into with landlords for social housing purposes?
   - What are the terms and conditions of such agreements, including duration, rent payment arrangements, and responsibilities of both parties?

3. Rent Payment:
   - How is the rent for social housing properties determined?
   - Is the rent paid directly by the council, or is it the responsibility of the tenants?

4. Support Services:
   - Does your council provide any support services or assistance to tenants in social housing properties?
   - If so, what types of support are offered, and how are they funded and administered?

5. Maintenance and Repairs:
   - What are the expectations regarding property maintenance and repairs in social housing arrangements?
   - Is there a specific protocol for reporting and addressing maintenance issues?

6. Inspections and Compliance:
   - Are there any regular inspections or compliance checks conducted on social housing properties? If so who will be responsible for carrying out these works?
   - What is the criteria for compliance, and how are any issues rectified if they arise?

7. Contact Information:
   - Whom should I contact within your council to discuss the possibility of renting my property for social housing purposes further?
   - Can you provide me with the relevant contact details for initiating this process?

Additionally, if there are any other details or requirements that I should be aware of regarding renting a property to your council for social housing, please do not hesitate to contact me on the above email address.

I am genuinely interested in contributing to the community through this initiative and look forward to the possibility of working together with your council to provide much-needed housing support.

Response

Please accept my apologies for the delay in responding.

1. Eligibility Criteria: - What are the specific eligibility criteria for tenants to qualify for social housing in your program? - Are there any particular requirements or preferences regarding the property itself in terms of size, location, or amenities?

Answer: The Council's Housing Allocation Scheme sets out eligibility/requirements or preferences for the Housing Register: https://www.hastings.gov.uk/housing/social_housing/sussex_homemove/

The Regulator of Social Housing sets standards for social housing: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/regulator-of-social-housing

2. Rental Agreement: - What type of rental agreement does your council typically enter into with landlords for social housing purposes? - What are the terms and conditions of such agreements, including duration, rent payment arrangements, and responsibilities of both parties?

Answer: Social housing is provided by Registered Providers. The Council does not have a rental agreement in place with local Registered Providers. The Registered Provider has an agreement directly with the tenant.

3. Rent Payment: - How is the rent for social housing properties determined? - Is the rent paid directly by the council, or is it the responsibility of the tenants?

Answer: Social housing rent is set by the Rent Standard through the Regulator of Social Housing and paid by tenants to Registered Providers.

4. Support Services: - Does your council provide any support services or assistance to tenants in social housing properties? - If so, what types of support are offered, and how are they funded and administered?

Answer: Support for social housing tenants would be provided by the Registered Provider landlord in the first instance with additional support sourced as required.

5. Maintenance and Repairs: - What are the expectations regarding property maintenance and repairs in social housing arrangements? - Is there a specific protocol for reporting and addressing maintenance issues?

Answer Social housing standards are set by the Regulator of social Housing

6. Inspections and Compliance: - Are there any regular inspections or compliance checks conducted on social housing properties? If so who will be responsible for carrying out these works? - What is the criteria for compliance, and how are any issues rectified if they arise?

Answer: Social housing standards are set by the Regulator of social Housing

7. Contact Information: - Whom should I contact within your council to discuss the possibility of renting my property for social housing purposes further? - Can you provide me with the relevant contact details for initiating this process?

Answer: The Council has a Social Lettings Agency which leases private rented sector properties. This is not considered to be social housing.

You can find out more and make an enquiry at: https://www.hastings.gov.uk/housing/owner/becominglandlord/