Swindon landlords - partner with us
Success stories - making a difference together
We believe that strong partnerships between landlords and the Council can change lives. By working together, we have helped families find stable homes, supported landlords with reliable tenancy management and created positive outcomes for our community.
These real stories show how our private rent schemes have provided security for landlords while giving tenants the chance to build a better future. From long-term, hassle-free tenancies to life-changing support for families in need, each story highlights the positive and rewarding impact of working together.
Landlords
I am a residential portfolio landlord based in Swindon and have let several properties to Swindon Borough Council through the Private Sector Leasing Scheme since 2013. In my experience, tenants typically stay in a property for between six months and five years, depending on their individual circumstances.
Over the past 12 years, rent payments have always been made directly to me by the Council without the need to chase, even during short periods when a property is unoccupied between tenancies. There are no management fees or commissions to pay.
Running a letting business is complex and time-consuming, especially with ongoing changes to legislation. Letting to the Council has significantly reduced this pressure. The Housing Accommodation Officers are proactive and professional. They carry out photographic check-in and check-out inspections, make regular property visits, support tenants when needed and promptly report any repairs or safety concerns before they escalate.
As with any business, occasional issues do arise. However, these are rare, and when they do happen, the Accommodation Officers take a fair and proportionate approach to resolving them. They also provide helpful reminders for key responsibilities, such as renewing gas and electrical safety certificates, EPCs and building insurance, which supports both tenant safety and legal compliance.
In summary, I would strongly recommend that other private landlords consider letting their properties to Swindon Borough Council.
Tenants
Mr S’s story:
Not long ago, we met Mr S, who was facing an incredibly tough situation. He was homeless and sleeping rough after a relationship breakdown. With nowhere to turn, the future felt very uncertain.
Determined to help, our Private Rented Sector team found a landlord willing to work with us and supported Mr S through every step of the process. This included arranging viewings, setting up payments and securing a one-bedroom private rental.
With a safe and stable home, everything started to fall into place. Mr S recently secured a full-time position with a reputable company, opening doors to an exciting future.
But the biggest transformation has been in his mental wellbeing. Rebuilding his confidence, he is now reconnecting with family and friends and, most importantly, rediscovering himself in a brand-new chapter filled with hope and opportunity.
Charlotte’s story:
Charlotte is a young person with care experience. She had spent years moving from place to place, struggling to find stability. But with support from our Temporary Accommodation team and help from Swindon landlords, that all changed.
When Charlotte moved into temporary accommodation, she was assigned a dedicated Accommodation Officer. They worked closely with her, helping her budget effectively, set up utility accounts, access benefits and tackle previous tenancy arrears through a structured repayment plan. Regular property inspections ensured her home was well maintained, giving the landlord peace of mind.
Beyond practical support, we helped Charlotte build vital life skills. She was set achievable tasks with clear deadlines, helping her develop independence and responsibility. As her confidence grew and she proved her commitment, our team guided her through the transition to a permanent home, turning uncertainty into security.
For landlords, this means more than just guaranteed rent and professional property management. It is about knowing your property is well looked after while helping transform lives.
Nina’s story:
In May 2022, Nina fled Ukraine with her daughter, seeking safety in Swindon.
Welcomed by a generous host, she stayed for six months before needing to find her own accommodation. With support from the Warm Welcome team, Nina secured a private rental in November 2022 and quickly learned how to manage bills, Council Tax and tenancy responsibilities in the UK.
Nina has now built a stable life. She works in a five-star Oxfordshire restaurant, pursuing her passion for baking and dreaming of opening her own bakery. A regular at Swindon’s Ukraine Festival, her gingerbread is much loved by the local Ukrainian community.
Nina’s journey is a testament to resilience and determination. She has created a home where she and her daughter feel safe, welcome and part of the community.