Financial assistance is discretionary and depends on whether the council has any money to fund these applications.
There are two types of grant for landlords
Landlords renewals assistance – this is available for tenanted, HMOs and vacant properties for major renovation works and installation of fire detection and escape routes depending on the type of property.
Vacant properties must be included on the vacant properties register as a high priority property, have been empty for at least 12 months and be within council tax bands A, B and C.
If the property is tenanted then the rent charged must have been substantially below current market rent for at least the previous six months. You will have to obtain an assessment from the Rent Officer confirming this (at least 80% of current rents for that area).
The council can pay up to £25,000 or £35,000 if structural work is required, at 50% or 60% of the total cost depending on the type of property. It is a grant but a charge is placed on the Land Registry for 5 years because the property has to be rented out for that period. If the property is suitable for a single family the council will ask you to sign a form stating that you agree to the council nominating suitable tenants and that it will be let at an affordable rent.
Landlord vacant homes grant – this grant may be available for those properties which have been empty for six months or more but only need minor repairs or improvements before they can be rented out eg minor re-wiring, basic kitchen or bathroom facilities. It can also include fees for gas & electrical safety checks, first year’s insurance and agency fees.
It is a maximum of £5,000 and a charge will be placed on the property for five years because the property has to be rented out for that period. If the property is suitable for a single family the council will ask you to sign a form stating that you agree to the council nominating suitable tenants and that it will be let at an affordable rent.
If you would like further information about this financial aid and its availability please contact Private Sector Housing:
01925 248487 / 248483
privatesector@warrington.gov.uk