Advice on finding Social Housing tenants?

Advice on finding Social Housing tenants?

10:00 AM, 13th February 2023, About 2 years ago 8

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We are considering renting out our property through social housing after we previously rented it as a single let to a family who refused to pay rent for two years racking up over £30,000 in rent arrears, causing us considerable financial strain.

We had to face the stress and the agony of going through the eviction proceedings process which took 16 months from the date of serving section 8 Notice to Bailiff eviction with the added costs for the legal fees and court fees. Needless to say that the tenant left the house in a complete state of disrepair which will take well over £15,000 to put in good repair.

We would appreciate your advice on the following:
1. Do we have any chance of recovering the amount the tenant owed us and if so how can we go about it?
2. How can we go about finding subsequent tenants through social housing?
3. Do you know of agencies that specialize in social housing you can recommend?
4. Are there any pros and cons advice you can give regarding focusing on social housing strategy?

Thank you for your support and assistance.

Tina


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Comments

Nikki Palmer

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12:05 PM, 13th February 2023, About 2 years ago

Is there any reason why you feel that renting to social housing tenants is more beneficial?

Generally your local council would be pleased to take on the property, find tenants, pay below market value, manage everything poorly and promise you the earth...good luck with that!

Mr.A

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18:52 PM, 13th February 2023, About 2 years ago

Would you really trust the Clowncil with your property?
Really?

Reluctant Landlord

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10:28 AM, 14th February 2023, About 2 years ago

might be worth selling instead? If vacant now then (depending on what area it is in) someone might be interested. If you are looking at non private renting options then be aware they come with a whole raft of issues in itself.

Anyone renting to anyone now has to be on their toes with everything and if you have been through enough stress etc already might be worth cashing in now. The PRS for LL is only going to get a lot worse IMO.

Corporate rental may be an option via a local agent if you want hands off?

DPT

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16:03 PM, 14th February 2023, About 2 years ago

Sounds like out of the frying pan and into the fire.

Amy B

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10:29 AM, 15th February 2023, About 2 years ago

Hi Tina

I've been on the Elliot Leigh Guaranteed Rent scheme for nearly 2 years and i'm due to enter into another agreement for my 2nd property this year.
i had similar issues with past rent arrears (i was lucky enough to have all money owed paid to me without taking action) and since then these guys have taken complete management of my flat.

pros - i've been paid rent EVERY month for 2 years, they have a maintenance team that cover basic repairs, lovely team of people.

cons - they don't pay market value, HOWEVER the peace of mind of not having to personally deal with tenants & chase for rent is worth it for me.

they're defo worth having a chat with!

Judith Wordsworth

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9:11 AM, 18th February 2023, About 2 years ago

I rented 2 properties to South London Housing Association on 3 year agreement. On full management and repairs, bar the gas safety certificate and buildings insurance.
The properties were then, I believe, used for temporary housing. On hand back mould had penetrated to the brick and had been emulsion end over (they forgot to paint behind the radiators !), carpets ruined and both properties required gutting and as the HA insisted on using their tendency agreement without amendments guess who footed the bill.

Most Local Authorities are desperate for properties, often paying a couple of £1000 or more incentive for a 3-5 year agreement.

Insist on the contract stating the property to be returned in the condition you hand it over in, and qualify what this means. Insist on the LA paying the rent and not the tenants. And that you have he thug to carry out regular inspections.

Good luck.

Judith Wordsworth

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9:13 AM, 18th February 2023, About 2 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Judith Wordsworth at 18/02/2023 - 09:11
Meant the right to inspect lol

Chris

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11:07 AM, 18th February 2023, About 2 years ago

You can still get rent arrears with social tenants especially if their circumstances change.
You can guarantee your rent with some working tenants and some benefit tenants.

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