FOI Request - Renting out Property for Social Housing
Request 101003525103
I'm emailing councils asking about rent for social housing as I'm looking to purchase a property and help the community at the same time. I'm wondering what is the perfect base to set up, hoping to build the portfolio in the future and to live near.
I would greatly appreciate it if you could provide me with information on the following aspects regarding renting a property for social housing purposes:
1. Eligibility Criteria:
a) What are the specific eligibility criteria for tenants to qualify for social housing in your program?
b) Are there any particular requirements or preferences regarding the property itself in terms of size, location, or amenities?
2. Rental Agreement:
a) What type of rental agreement does your council typically enter into with landlords for social housing purposes?
b) What are the terms and conditions of such agreements, including duration, rent payment arrangements, and responsibilities of both parties?
3. Rent Payment:
a) How is the rent for social housing properties determined?
b) Is the rent paid directly by the council, or is it the responsibility of the tenants?
4. Support Services:
a) Does your council provide any support services or assistance to tenants in social housing properties?
b) If so, what types of support are offered, and how are they funded and administered?
5. Maintenance and Repairs:
a) What are the expectations regarding property maintenance and repairs in social housing arrangements?
b) Is there a specific protocol for reporting and addressing maintenance issues?
6. Inspections and Compliance:
a) Are there any regular inspections or compliance checks conducted on social housing properties? If so who will be responsible for carrying out these works?
b) What is the criteria for compliance, and how are any issues rectified if they arise?
7. Contact Information:
a) Whom should I contact within your council to discuss the possibility of renting my property for social housing purposes further?
b) Can you provide me with the relevant contact details for initiating this process?
Additionally, if there are any other details or requirements that I should be aware of regarding renting a property to your council for social housing, please do not hesitate to contact me
Response 04-04-2024
1.a) & b) These requirements are set out in the Housing Need and Demand Assessment which are published on the Moray Council website. This information is therefore exempt under section 25 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, information otherwise accessible. For ease of reference please find a link to the web page here: http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_123835.html
2. a) Scottish Secure Tenancy
b) A sample and summary of the Scottish Secure Tenancy can be viewed here: http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_101368.html
exempt under Section 25 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, information otherwise accessible
3. a) Moray Council rents are set via our Rent Setting Policy which is published on the Moray Couoncil website and herefore exempt under section 25 of the Freedom of Information (Scotland) Act 2002, information otherwise accessible. For ease of reference please find a link to the web page here: http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_41844.html
b) Tenants are responsible for paying their rent although they may be eligible to housing benefit or Universal Credit if they receive benefits or are on a low income.
4. a) Moray Council has an in-house Housing Support Service which offers help and support to tenants to live as independently as possible within the community regardless of tenure type.
b) Our Housing Support page can be found here: http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_101084.html#:~:text=Our%20housing%20support%20service%20helps,their%20accommodation%20and%20maintain%20independence
5.a) Our Housing Support page can be found here: http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_101084.html#:~:text=Our%20housing%20support%20service%20helps,their%20accommodation%20and%20maintain%20independence
b) See link http://www.moray.gov.uk/moray_standard/page_1230.html
6.a) We carry out several periodic inspection and checks on our housing stock,. These are carried out by our ‘in house’ Building Services team and include.
• Heating system cyclical servicing to gas, oil, solid fuel, and air source heating systems (annually or at change of tenancy)
• Electrical Inspection Condition Reports (EICR) - electrical safety inspection carried out every 5 years or change of tenancy.
• Smoke Alarm/Co detectors – annually checked as part of gas, oil, solid fuel programmes or at change of tenancy.
• External fabric inspection/decoration – on a 7-year cyclical programme.
• Asbestos surveys are also carried out (full R&D) prior to any planned works commencing if no asbestos data present.
• General annual servicing is also carried out to the likes of specialist ventilation systems, positive air ventilators and other specialist equipment in accordance with manufacturers recommendations .
• EPC certificates are completed/updated after all heating or major work upgrades including void works.
b) Moray Council is answerable to the Scottish Housing Regulator. Full details of their regulatory regime are published here: https://www.housingregulator.gov.scot/landlord-performance/
7.a) & b) Call our Contact Centre on 0300 234 566