The Private Sector Leasing (PSL) scheme was set up in October 2007 to help meet the ongoing demand for social housing in the borough. It has proved a successful way of working with private landlords to provide a supply of good quality accommodation to tackle changing housing pressures in Swindon.

Are you interested in leasing your property to the Council?

What we can offer to prospective landlords:

• Long term leases of 3 years
• Guaranteed rental income
• Intensive management of your property.

How much will we pay for your property?

Each month we guarantee to pay the following fees:

The changing demand for Private Sector Leasing properties

Important information for prospective landlords before you decide to lease your property to the Council.

With the changing demand for all types of properties, the Council cannot guarantee that your property will be leased. Primarily the Council will seek to lease vacant properties from Landlords so that it has total control of which tenants are placed in those properties. However, in certain circumstances the Council MAY be willing to lease some already tenanted properties. YOU MUST first seek confirmation from the PSL Team (details below) whether a tenanted property can be accepted onto the PSL Scheme. You are advised to obtain this approval BEFORE you incur any costs in progressing your application.

Properties not leased by the Council

This will depend upon demand. However, as a general rule the Council does not lease the following types of properties:

• Properties outside of Swindon
• Flats in high-rise buildings
• Flats above shops or businesses

Please contact the PSL Team (details below) if your property is within this category to ask if your property can be accepted onto the PSL Scheme.

Joining our Private Sector Leasing Scheme

To join the scheme you can download an Application Form and Full Information Pack below, or alternatively please contact the Private Sector Leasing (PSL) Team on 01793 464493 if you would like these sent in the post.You can also contact us by email at: aboatwright@swindon.gov.uk

Application Form

The Full Information Pack explains what our requirements are for

• Lenders Consent
• Building Insurance
• Property Standards
• Health & Safety

If you would like to discuss any of these please contact the PSL Team on 01793 464493. You can also contact us by email at: aboatwrightswindon.gov.uk

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Download the Application Form and Full Information Pack or request these in the post.

Step 2: If you have a mortgage on your property then YOU MUST obtain your Lenders Consent in writing. Please read the information pack carefully as this contains important information.

Step 3: You must provide us with your Building Insurance details.

You are advised to ensure you can provide these documents first, as you will probably have to pay for the following:

Step 4: You must provide us with a Survey confirming that the property meets our Property Standards.

Step 5: You must provide us with certificates for the Gas and Electricity supplies and apparatus to show that the property meets our Health & Safety standards. Please read the Full Information Pack for further details.

Step 6: Complete and return the application form to the PSL Team with all of the above documents.

Until we receive all of these documents we will be unable to process your application.

An officer will then contact you within 5 working days

Step 7: A final inspection by the PSL Team

Once all necessary works have been completed to make sure the property meets our Property Standards then please contact the PSL Team to arrange a final inspection by an Accommodation Officer.

Step 8: Sign The Lease

Finally, when all of the above stages are completed a member of the PSL Team will send you a lease agreement to sign and return to us. The Lease will then be legally completed at which time the Council will take possession of the property and you will start to receive rent payments. A copy of the standard Lease is available to view online.

Step 9: Prospective Tenants to view the property.

The PSL Team will carry out all of the arrangements for our prospective tenants to view the property and sign a tenancy with the Council.

Need More Information?

If you need further information, please visit the Frequently Asked Questions page.

If you would like to discuss any of these please contact the PSL Team on 01793 464493.You can also contact us by email at: aboatwright@swindon.gov.uk.

There is also a webpage for Landlords: Landlord Accreditation