PRIVATE landlords are being encouraged to let more properties to people who get housing benefit under a new scheme.

Oxford City Council is offering to guarantee people’s rent, in a move it hopes will address concerns about changes to Universal Credit and housing benefit made by the Government.

Under Universal Credit housing payments are made directly to tennants by default, where previously much was paid directly to landlords. As a result, the council says many landlords do not want to rent to claimants because of fears they may default on rent payments.

But under the scheme, the council will make sure rent is paid for the term of the tenancy – whether or not it has received the rent from the tenant.

Rent will also continue to be paid even during times when the property is empty, it said.

City council housing boss Mike Rowley said: “We understand the concerns some private landlords may have about letting their properties to tenants at risk of homelessness. The rent guarantee scheme does what it says on the tin – it removes such concerns and gives the landlord guaranteed rent without fail, even when the property is unoccupied.”

Landlords will not be charged administration fees under the rent guarantee scheme either, the council said.

The local authority added it would carry out ‘comprehensive’ assessments of tenants before it helped them, to check they could afford a private tenancy.

It will also cover the cost of any damages to properties under the arrangement.

Mr Rowley added “The scheme is free of charges, free of rent arrears, free of loss from empty lets, and frees up the landlord from the hassle of tenant selection.

“And with support from the city council, tenants are given the assistance they need to rent successfully and for the long term.”

To find out more, call account manager, Mahmoud El Mahdy on 01865 252912 or email melmahdy@oxford.gov.uk