1. Getting the best out of the private sector Vijay Jethwa, Homefinder Development Officer Blaby District Council, Tel: 0116 2727770 Email: vj@blaby.gov.ukvj@blaby.gov.uk Rebecca Holcroft, Housing Options Manager Blaby District Council, Tel: 0116 2727770 Email: rebecca.holcroft@blaby.gov.ukrebecca.holcroft@blaby.gov.uk

2. Our Vision ‘To create sustainable communities by promoting the provision of quality housing, using a wide range of services and partnerships, across all tenures, which is safe, warm and affordable.’

3. Where we were…………………. Only 4 councils with private rented scheme No joined up platform to engage and work with all landlords across Leicestershire Good / Bad services experienced by landlords Difficult to identify properties for single people who are on housing benefit Rough sleeping funding to provide IT for 3 years and 2 project development staff 8 partnering councils Launched in October 2013

4. Aims of the Project……………… Increase access to the private rented sector Increase the availability of affordable private rented properties Improve property standards in the private sector Improve management standards in the private sector

5. Supported by ………………

6. Why use Homefinder?

7. Services we offer…………..…… Free to advertise Free training Free landlords library Free newsletter Free landlord packs Free landlord forums Free case law updates Free management tool (Homefinder) Exclusive members area

8. Where we are...... ……………… Over 350 agents / landlords registered 11,671 adverts placed since launch (1262 LHA friendly)(463 rooms for single people) On average 1200 properties advertised per month (97 LHA friendly)(65 rooms for single people) Safety Shaun Videos Homefinder.uk.com copied by 50 other councils

9. Where we are…………………… Promote other projects looking to Identify and engage with landlords Advertise properties for free Improve / increase the range of services for landlords currently being offered Landlord & Local Authority working group set up Communication, Consultation & Involvement

10. Incentives we are developing…. Rent in advance scheme Written Guarantee scheme Grants / Loans to improve property standards Accreditation Other incentives being considered, free gas safety, EPC certificates,

11. Advise we can offer…………….. Advise on repairing obligations Energy Efficiency Work Housing Health & Rating System Houses in Multiple Occupation Advice on financial schemes that are available to bring back empty homes into use 11

12. Case Study

18. The Private Rented Sector : Coming up Roses?

19. House Prices

20. DEMAND SUPPLY

21. Legislative Change

22. The Economy

23. Local Authorities Leicestershire County Council Professional Bodies Housing Associations Landlords Working together to provide housing in Leicestershire

24. Questions