Please be aware that this scheme is phasing out and being replaced by Private Sector Leasing.

From November 26th 2007, we will no longer require 2 bedroom properties.

For more information about Private Sector Leasing, please click here: Private Sector Leasing

The following information is designed to offer advice to anyone who wishes to become a landlord or landlady in the Borough of Swindon.

It includes Information on types of tenancies and your rights and obligations as a landlord/lady/agent and a registration/declaration form. This is to provide information about the accommodation and to ensure that you have read and understood the details of the service and equal opportunity policy.

All properties built before 1950 which are to be included on our register must first be inspected by a Health and Public Protection Officer, to ensure that the accommodation is safe and suitable for letting. If the property has gas appliances then a valid safety certificate is required. This should normally be on Form CP12 available for use by all Corgi Registered Contractors. Landlords can normally selfcertify properties built after 1950.

If you wish to let your property through The Private Lettings Service you will speed up the process by ensuring all gas checks are completed as soon as possible. This is imperative because: “The Gas Safety (Installation and use) Regulations 1994 now require all Landlords to maintain gas appliances they provide for their tenants’ use and to have these appliances checked for safety at least once a year by a Corgi registered contractor. This recognises the considerable risk posed to tenants by faulty gas appliances. Landlords are also required to keep records of these checks for their tenants to see on request.”

Please help us to keep our register up to date by returning the checklist and gas safety certificate as soon as possible. Please remember that if you decide to let your accommodation, it is your responsibility to inform your tax office of any additional income received and to ensure that your property is adequately insured.

How does the Private Lettings Service operate?

If you offer your property to the Private Lettings Service you will be paid directly by the homeless department which means your payments are guaranteed regardless of the tenant being employed or on state benefits the financial liability is with the councils homeless department.

The rent is paid one month in advance, and will be automatically paid to your bank account or sent out by cheque. You will required to issue an invoice for the first part monthly payment, to enable us to set your subsequent payments up on the schedule.

We also guarantee a deposit equivalent to one months rent, it is therefore very important that you supply a detailed inventory of the property before the tenant moves in, this will be used to check the condition of the property when the tenant vacates. To ensure that the tenant takes responsibility for the deposit the landlord is required to collect £15 to £25 per month directly from the tenant. The tenant will sign an undertaking with the homeless department to agree to pay the deposit direct to the landlord. We appreciate that it will take some time before the tenant pays the whole deposit; therefore the homeless department will guarantee any shortfall in deposit.

Initially the property is taken on under a 6-month Assured Short hold Tenancy, after which it runs on a month-to-month basis. If you do require possession of the property you will be required to give 2 months notice any time after the end of the 4th month. We generally would only be interested in taking the property if you were willing to let it for a minimum of two years.

All bills including council tax are the responsibility of the tenant. Landlords MUST supply a copy of a Gas Safety Certificate to the tenant and the homeless department. This must be renewed annually.

Contact us

If you have any further queries, or wish to make an appointment, please contact the Accommodation Team, Housing Department, Wat Tyler House, Beckhampton Street, Swindon or Tel: 01793 464405.

The Private Lettings Service - A Guide

Landlords Charter

Private Lettings Checklist and Registration Form

Guidance For Landlords InspectingTheir Property

Landlords Self-Certification of Property Condition Form

Self-Certification of properties letter (used for Temporary Accommodation)

Specimen inventory

Gas safety Regulations - Landlord's Gas Safety Record

Guidance notes for traders - the safety of goods supplied in rented accomodation