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Housing Advice for Landlords

There are around 6,000 privately rented homes in Rushcliffe, which are an essential part of the local housing market. We keep landlords informed of legal requirements and provide information to avoid problems before they arise. We want to work with landlords to promote a professional sector, with high-quality properties that meet local people's needs.

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Tenant and Eviction Issues

Housing law can be complex. So it is always best to research the area before you decide to rent your property out. The Government has published a guide on assured tenancies, which are a good starting point. If you are having problems with a tenant, it is always best to seek independent advice. You can also resolve many problems through communication and mediation.

If you want to bring the tenancy to an end, you need to serve the correct notice and follow the correct legal procedures. This will ensure you avoid carrying out an illegal eviction. The Government has published a fact sheet on this issue. However if you do not fully understand the legal process you need to follow, it is vital that you seek independent legal advice. Please note, our Housing Options Team acts on behalf of tenants to prevent homelessness, so we are not able to provide legal advice to landlords.

My Tenant Can't Pay the Rent

If your tenant has lost their job, or lost some of their income, you don't need to lose them as a customer. They may be able to claim Housing Benefit. With our Express Delivery service, we guarantee to decide their claim in 24 hours. You do not have to wait a long time to hear whether they will get help with the rent.

Minimum Property Standards

Sometimes we have to inspect rented properties. The landlord or the tenant can request an inspection. When we inspect properties, we use the Housing Health & Safety Rating System (HHSRS). A Category 1 hazard means there is likely to be a serious risk to health and safety within one year. Where we become aware of a Category 1 hazard, we must take action. Where there is a Category 2 hazard we have more discretion. The action we take in respect of a Category 2 will depend on the risk, who lives there and potential effect on visitors or the local area. We will always consult the landlord before taking action, unless there is an imminent danger or we cannot contact the landlord.

DASH Services have published a guide to "the ideal property". This shows landlords what they can do, room by room, to meet the required standards and avoid any problems.

House in Multiple Occupation (HMO)

A House in Multiple Occupation (HMO) is a property occupied by members of more than one household who share amenities and facilities. This includes houses converted into bedsits and flats, and shared houses. You must have a licence from the Council to let an HMO. You can find full details and check whether you need a licence on our HMO licensing page.

Energy Efficiency

Landlords must provide their tenants with an Energy Performance Certificate for the property they are letting. Energy efficient homes are easier to let. They will have more satisfied tenants who will stay for longer, as well as having a lower impact on the environment. You can claim tax relief on energy efficiency works up to £1,500.

If you want to find out more about what you can do to improve energy efficiency and, what grants, discounts and rebates are available, see our Energy Efficiency pages.

Unipol Student Accreditation Scheme

If you let your property to students in the Greater Nottingham area, you should consider joining the Unipol scheme. Unipol will advertise your property free of charge. It is endorsed and promoted by the local universities and colleges. The scheme is designed to:

  • Give landlords a defined set of standards to meet (the Unipol DASH Code)
  • Recognise and promote landlords whose properties meet the required standards
  • Give confidence to occupiers of properties knowing that basic standards of fire safety and welfare have been achieved.

The scheme is voluntary. However those landlords who choose to participate will receive a certificate of accreditation and continue to have their properties advertised by the participating universities and colleges. Over 1,000 properties have been accredited in the Greater Nottingham area so far.

For details of how to join the scheme or for further information, please contact our Environmental Health Team on 0115 914 8322 or email environmentalhealth@rushcliffe.gov.uk.

Call B4 you serve

Are you considering giving notice to your tenants?

If so please contact Call B4 You Serve for help with:

  • Rent arrears
  • Mediation between you and your tenants
  • Communication issues
  • Help and advice on leasing properties to supported housing providers.

Call B4 You Serve is a free specialist service for landlords considering seeking possession.

We recognise the importance of an early intervention working with both the landlord and tenant to prevent homelessness.

This free specialist service is available to assist landlords who are looking to serve notice on their tenants. The aim of the service is to give landlords all the help and assistance they need to prevent a Section 21 or Section 8 notice being issued.

The service includes:

  • A personalised housing plan agreed with the tenant
  • Rent arrears assistance through housing benefit services, universal credit, local government homeless prevention funds and charities
  • A financial assessment of tenants to maximise income
  • Referrals and signposting to specialist services for more long-term support should the need be identified
  • A mediation service between landlords, tenants and local authorities
  • Help and advice on leasing properties to a range of supported housing providers.

We recognise that eviction is often the last resort and is a costly process. We are committed to preventing homelessness at the earliest opportunity and we urge you to Call B4 You Serve so that we can help you and your tenants before it’s too late.

For assistance and more information about this service please call Mark Skelton on 01332 624368 or email CB4YS@derby.gov.uk.

Housing Advice