Go to navigation

Private landlords

The Private Sector Housing Team works with landlords on a variety of services and gives advice, information and support where needed.

Homebond Scheme

From the 1 September 2011 we will only be accepted accredited landlords properties, under the Homebond scheme.

Becoming an accredited landlord

Advertise your property through Medway Council's database to potential tenants. Please note we only accept properties from accredited landlords. Find out how to become an accredited landlord.

Landlord Improvement Loan

Improvement loans will only be offered to landlords accredited through the Kent Landlords Accreditation Scheme and who are willing to accept tenants through the Council’s Homebond Scheme. The maximum loan that will be made available is £5,000 and for a five year term. To find out more visit the Landlords Improvement Loan page.

Tenant Information Pack

Download the Tenant Information Pack(pdf 81KB) which you can give to new tenants moving into your properties. To download this and other pdfs you will need Adobe Acrobat Reader. If you do not have it on your computer, please use the advice page.

The Ledger

Download the spring 2010 edition of The Ledger (pdf 744KB).

Landlords' and landlord's agents' responsibilities

Tenancy deposit scheme

From April 2007, all deposits taken by landlords and letting agents for assured shorthold tenancies must be protected by one of the three government Tenancy Deposit Protection schemes. Find out more at www.direct.gov.uk/en/TenancyDeposit/index.htm or phone 0845 609 0696.

Energy performance certificate

From October 2008, Energy Performance Certificates must be available and shown to all potential tenants on all rented properties. Find out more at http://epc.direct.gov.uk/index.html.

Gas safety certificates

Find out how to carry out gas safety checks at your property and how often you should do them at www.hse.gov.uk/gas/domestic/faqlandlord.htm.

Periodic electrical inspection and testing for rented accommodation

The Electrical Safety Council (ESC) recommends that the periodic inspection and testing is carried out at least every five years or on change of tenancy. However, housing organisations that keep an up-to-date record of the condition of their housing stock and work to a written maintenance programme and periodic testing regime may be in position to justify a longer period between inspection and tests. To find out more, phone the ESC on 0870 0400561, email enquiries@electricalsafetycouncil.org.uk or visit www.esc.org.uk

Houses in multiple occupation (HMO)

The HMO management order states that periodic inspection and testing must be done at least every five years. Find out more about landlords' responsibilities for HMOs.

Fire safety

A risk assessment under the Housing Health Safety Rating System (HHSRS) is likely to identify the need for working smoke alarms if they are not already present.

Emergency and general contact numbers

You must provide your tenant with an out-of-hours contact number in case of emergencies and also a general contact number for the tenant to contact you to report any maintenance issues.

Homebond scheme

Find out more about the Homebond scheme. All potential Homebond properties are inspected by the Private Sector Housing Team before any decision is made.

Useful links

Landlord Action

Landlord Action (www.landlordaction.co.uk) provides a whole range of services, including, free advice on tenancy issues, how to avoid bad tenants and letting agents, debt recovery, tracing tenants and tenant referencing. For further information, phone 020 8906 3838.

The Electrical Safety Council (ESC)

ESC (www.esc.org.uk) is an independent charity committed to reducing deaths and injuries through electrical accidents at home and work. It provides advice on electrical safety for landlords. The council is supported by all sectors of the electrical industry as well as local and central government and works to promote safety and good practice. Download the landlord's guide to electrical safety booklet (www.esc.org.uk/business-and-community/guidance-for/landlords.html). For further information, phone 0870 040 0561.

Landlords Energy Saving Allowance (LESA)

If you are a landlord and make energy saving improvements to your property, such as loft and cavity wall insulation, you could reduce the tax you pay by claiming the Landlord's Energy Saving Allowance. To find out if you are eligible, visit www.direct.gov.uk/en/HomeAndCommunity/BuyingAndSellingYourHome/LettingYourHome/DG_175186.

Housing Benefit

Local Housing Allowance (LHA) helps the council to work out Housing Benefit for people on low incomes who rent from private landlords. It takes into account the area they live in and the number of people occupying their property. For further information on who it applies to and how this will affect you, phone 01634 332222.

Legal advice and support

Citizens Advice Bureaux

Citizens Advice Bureaux offer free information and advice to help people resolve their legal, money and other issues. Visit www.citizensadvice.org.uk.

Shelter

Shelter (http://england.shelter.org.uk/get_advice) is a registered charity that offers information and advice for all housing issues.

Enforcement policy

Download the Housing Enforcement policy (pdf 146KB) and the Diversity Impact Assessment screening form (pdf 80KB).

For more information contact Private Sector Housing by telephone: 01634 333757 or by email: housing@medway.gov.uk

Write to: Private Sector Housing, Medway Council, Gun Wharf, Dock Road, Chatham, Kent ME4 4TR

Rate this page: 
Send this page to a friend: Send

Send a link to the Private landlords page to a friend

  4. Please answer the question below to ensure your form gets through safely to Medway Council. It is to verify that you are a real person and not an automated internet spam programme.