West Lothian Council Advice Shop “Early intervention is good business” Brian Pearson Senior Housing Adviser West Lothian Council
Introduction Where is the advice shop What services are provided Why is helping tenants good for business Need for early intervention Tenant as customer Providing the right service
Where is the advice shop We are situated in Bathgate Unit 9 – 12 Waverley Industrial Estate Waverley Street Bathgate EH48 4HY
What services are provided Information, advice, assistance, and representation on; Benefits Energy Money Housing Income maximisation Special projects
Why is helping tenants good for business Ensuring your tenants can sustain the tenancy HB paying rent on time HB backdates to pay outstanding rent Avoiding any delays in benefit Ultimately maximising your rental income Going the extra step can be worthwhile
Need for early intervention Avoid potential delays in benefit claims Getting the tenancy off to a good start Dealing with problems before they get worse Legal action is expensive for dealing with problems left unresolved for a long period of time Avoid relet costs down the road Happy tenant is income to your business – ensure they get the right help makes sense
Tenant as customer You run a business, your customer is the tenant You have duties to that tenant with regards repair obligations Your customer has security of tenancy and statutory protection in certain areas To terminate a tenancy requires the correct notices Changing tenants on a regular basis costs money Providing a service that matters and going the extra mile prevents problems from occurring Tenants that feel respected by there landlord, wont want to move, they will spread the word. Good reputation
Providing the right service Remember your legal obligations Work with your tenant to ensure their obligations are met Is your tenant fully aware of their obligations Carry out safety checks Make sure you are registered for each property HMO’s Ending tenancies correctly Illegal eviction
Providing the right service cont… If unsure get advice Contact the advice shop Speak to a solicitor Check Shelter’s website Keep your self within the law Section 11
Section 11 Section 11 is a duty not a choice West Lothian Council are here to help Environment/Housing/access/homeless/s11 Environment/Housing/access/homeless/s11 Ian Treger Quality Development Officer can be contacted on Brian Pearson details
Thank You