Private Rented Sector & Partnership Working Presentation by Saeed Hussein & Ieuan ap Rees

My presentation today Innovative practice in working with the PRS Reducing costs with partnership working – RSLs, sub region The risks moving forward

Innovative practice in working with the PRS –Understanding local landlords motivations – rent levels, incentives, security or the availability of support. –Having a shared vision as Council - Planning, HMO Licensing, HB, Environmental etc –Balance between needs and enforcement. –Build a business relationship with landlords

Ealing Landlords Group Committee Meeting – Monthly Discussion Forum Networking Sharing good practices Tapping into the local knowledge of landlords

Innovative practice in working with the PRS Understanding that few suppliers may control some markets – persuading them to procure DL when you bring a halt to PSL. Controversial one - Only allow accredited landlords through your scheme. Get to new PRS landlords as they enter the market – so you are pitching to them first by visiting local agents. Recruit the best in the sector.

Innovative practice in working with the PRS; What do landlords want ? - No incentives - Bond Guarantee –Cost effective - Tenancy support - A business relationship - An effective and efficient service - Reliable tenants – Tenant accreditation Effective use of DHP – When issues arise

Reducing costs with partnership working. RSL’s (HALD rather than HALs) - Worked with local RSLs to procure HALDs 164 last year. Regular Meetings Value for money and less pressure on own DL scheme Tenancy sustainment – Early intervention (Homeless prevention)

Reducing costs with partnership working Sub-Region – West London Housing Partnership:

West London Letstart shared development costs procurement tool being developed so landlords can advertise link to CBL website / My Gateway information for tenants & landlords virtual local lettings agency

sub-regional protocol no cross borough procurement without host borough permission find your own OK – host borough fast tracks HB claim host borough incentive not exceeded regular meetings build trust

Risks going forward Caps on high rents Downward pressure on LHA generally Difficulty with larger units especially overcrowding tenants 30th percentile from October 2011 HALD risks – subsidy uncertainty causing inertia.

Risks going forward Landlord borrowing threatened Staffing cost reductions Profit margins squeezed – how sustainable?

Future plans Deals with low demand authorities as there is an increased demand for 2 bed. Making PRS the tenure of choice Focus on PRS as prevention PRS for non-priority clients Meeting the TA target

Local Lettings Agency approach Able to offer a full range of management services to landlords My Gateway – self assessment and comprehensive on-line options advice Excellent advice on full range of intermediate products Estate agency style advertisements PC access and partner training

‘Open for Business’