Up to £15k for landlords to improve their properties

Scheme aims to improve the quality and availability of affordable housing

Up to £15,000 is being made available to landlords who need to improve the standard of their properties.   The cash from Cherwell District Council comes as part of a drive to improve the quality and availability of affordable housing.

The Landlord Home Improvement Grant can facilitate work such as refitting kitchens or bathrooms, energy efficiency upgrades, and conversion to shared housing.   

In return the landlords must let the properties at affordable rents through the Cherwell Bond Scheme, which gives access to support organising viewings and signing tenancy agreements, help with the cost of annual gas safety checks and three months’ tenancy support.   Landlords letting their properties through the bond scheme can also receive either a £1,000 cash payment or a bond worth ten weeks’ rent instead of a deposit.

Councillor Lucinda Wing, Lead Member for Housing, said: “Whatever their circumstances, people deserve a decent standard of accommodation and a secure roof over their heads. These two schemes – The Cherwell Bond Scheme and the Landlord Home Improvement Grant – are designed to help make that a reality, and we believe they could make a massive difference for renters. 

“We want to remove the barriers that prevent some landlords investing in their properties, while also incentivising them to offer affordable and high quality accommodation to those who need it.

“The Landlord Home Improvement Grant and the Cherwell Bond Scheme bring a host of benefits to landlords and we urge them to get in touch and find out what this compelling offer could do for them.”

Landlords who are interested in joining the scheme or in finding out more should email bondscheme@cherwell-dc.gov.uk or call 01295 221682.

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Published: 13/12/2021 08:33am by Banbury FM Newsteam

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