County Durham Lettings Agency - information for owners and landlords

You will be provided with a guaranteed monthly rental return. Rates are set at Local Housing Allowance rates to take account of the guaranteed income, repairs offer, and the savings made on Council Tax and Selective Licensing obligations. The lease is subject to a monthly administration fee based on 20% of the rental rate.

Annual rent increases are based on rises in the Local Housing Allowance rates.

The leasing offer

We will lease self-contained property across County Durham in or around main towns with good transport links and access to facilities. We ideally need one or two bedroom homes but will consider three or four bedrooms when we have a particular need. The lease will typically be for a period of five years with a break clause provided at the end of the third year in favour of either party. 

County Durham Lettings Agency will:

• fully manage the property, placing residents on a temporary basis and visiting to provide support for up to five hours per week
• cover any void periods, arrears and bad debts
• undertake internal repairs with the exception of the central heating system unless the damage to the system is caused by the tenant 
• furnish the property for the tenants use
• indemnify the property owner against damage, returning the property in the same condition as at the start of the lease, subject to fair wear and tear

Property owner and property requirements

• the property leased must meet the CDLA Standard
• any works required to meet the standard must be carried out by the property owner, however we will consider leasing properties that require some works to bring empty homes up to the required standard
• properties that require extensive refurbishment cannot be considered
• property owners must provide proof that they have the legal right to enter into a leasing agreement for the property
• if the property is subject to a mortgage, property owners will need to provide written proof that their lender will approve the leasing agreement
• property owners must have adequate building insurance and public liability insurance in place specifying that the property is leased 
• property owners must supply all required certification including gas and electrical safety, asbestos survey certificate, damp survey certificate and Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) assessed at E or above and any others requested by County Durham Lettings Agency

For further information or to apply for the scheme Contact County Durham Lettings Agency.