The Help to Stay Scheme

What is the Help to Stay Scheme? 

The Help to Stay Scheme is an initiative launched to help landlords who may need help with their tenancy, if they are considering serving a legal notice to bring the tenancy to an end.

We can provide advice and support to landlords to help maintain their tenancy, if for example, their tenant is experiencing difficulties due to a change in circumstances such as relationship breakdown, reduction in income or loss of employment.

The type of issues we can deal with include, rent arrears, housing benefit issues, Universal Credit problems, income maximisation and provision of low level support as well as signposting to other agencies for longer term support.

This service is free of charge to landlords.

Client Consent

Before we can become involved, the landlord will need to obtain permission from the tenant that we can approach them. This can initially be verbal consent, however, when we engage with the tenant we will complete a formal consent form. 

If the landlord is not able to provide this initial permission, we are unable to proceed any further.

How we can help 

We can look to assist with the following:

Rent Arrears

If the tenant has stopped paying their rent, we will complete an affordability assessment and look to agree a repayment plan. It there are significant debts we will liaise with an external debt / money advice agency.

Income Review

If the tenant is struggling to meet their payments we will undertake an income review to ensure that the tenant is in receipt of all benefits etc. that they are entitled to. We will support the tenant to apply for additional income where needed.

Universal Credit enquiries

We can liaise with the tenant in an attempt to resolve any outstanding issues they may have with the Department of Works & Pensions (DWP) if it affects the ability to make regular rent payments

Tenant Support

Where it is identified that the tenant is struggling with day to day activities and this is having an impact on sustaining the tenancy, we will to look to provide low level tenancy support for a period of time.

Property standards & grant advice

We can provide information on any aspect of property standards such as landlord responsibilities or the availability of grants.

What happens next?

Once we receive a referral and we have consent, we will make contact with the tenant. After discussing the situation with the tenant we will agree a way forward and complete a prevention plan outlining the actions agreed and then share it with the landlord. 

We will monitor progress of the actions and ensure that the landlord receives regular updates on progress.

What happens if the situation does not improve?

If, after working with the tenant, the situation does not improve and the landlord wishes to continue with securing possession of the property, we will refer to the Housing Advice Team, who will provide appropriate homelessness advice.

How to contact us 

If you would like to know more about the initiative or have any questions, please contact us. Email the Private Sector Access Team or call 01562 732725