Key4Me is the new revised financial offer to landlords.
We operate schemes to help households who are:
- homeless
- or threatened with homelessness
Find and secure private rented accommodation.
The biggest hurdle facing households is the financial cost of securing a new home. We aim to bridge that gap by providing financial assistance. We are also looking to enhance our relationships with landlords. We want you to see the benefits of working alongside, and in partnership, with Dorset Council.
Our scheme will help households access private rented assured shorthold tenancies. Particularly those who would otherwise not be able to meet the funds themselves. The scheme is discretionary. Applicants must meet the eligibility criteria to qualify for help.
Our package to landlords
Help with Rent in Advance
An upfront payment of rent, up to 5 weeks.
Help with a Deposit Bond (up to a maximum of 12 weeks’)
A deposit bond is a written agreement between the Dorset Council Housing Options Team and the landlord instead of paying a deposit. No funds are provided at the beginning of the tenancy and unless there is a claim on the bond no payment is made. We enter into an agreement with the landlord/agent to pay any agreed deductions at the end of the tenancy. A bond can be agreed up to a maximum of 12 weeks rent.
Help with a Rent Deposit (up to a maximum of 5 weeks’)
The landlord or agent must place the deposit in a Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme within thirty days of receiving the payment. The council’s interest in the deposit should be recognised. At the end of the tenancy the deposit is re-paid to us not the tenant, less any agreed deductions. Former tenants will be advised of any claim and given the opportunity to challenge the amount.
A Pet Bond (up to a maximum of £400)
The pet bond is valid for the duration of the tenancy. We will pay up to a maximum of £400 to cover any additional costs incurred because of the tenant owning a pet. This could include carpet cleaning or repairs to woodwork or doors.
Landlord compliancy check
We will check your documentation and ensure all documents are in place and valid. Keeping you compliant with current legislation.
A Landlord Welcome
A Landlord Welcome is payable in stages throughout the tenancy to thank you for working with us. The tenancy must be offered as an Assured Shorthold Tenancy (AST) for a minimum of 12 months.
Please note:
- one incentive payment per property; you cannot receive multiple payments for the same property
- a Landlord Welcome can be offered with other incentives as part of our package to landlords
- you must consult your own financial advisor regarding the receipt of incentive payments and the taxable implications of this income in addition to rental receipts
- there must be no rent increases during the first 18 months of the tenancy
| Bedrooms | Month 0 | Month 12 | Month18 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | £1,333.33 | £1,333.33 | £1,333.33 | £4,000 |
| 2 | £750 | £750 | £750 | £2,250 |
| 3 | £1,083.33 | £1,083.33 | £1,083.33 | £3,250 |
| 4 or more | £1,416.66 | £1,416.66 | £1,416.66 | £4,250 |
Tenancy support
A named contact for tenancy related support needs
We recognise that it can be frustrating when things don’t go according to plan, and you want additional help, advice or support.
We will appoint both the tenant and the landlord a named Tenancy Sustainment Officer within Dorset Council. They will work with both sides to resolve any issues and support the sustainment of the tenancy. We also promise to respond to any support assistance within 5 working days of receiving a request for help.
We understand that things can change, and we will ensure that support is available if needed throughout any tenancy.
Help with a Tenancy Agreement
We can provide you with a legal tenancy agreement which can be used with your tenants to help you to start the tenancy on the right footing. Cutting out the costs of needing legal fees to achieve this. We can also carry out the inventory and cut out the need for the costs associated with a letting agency. This can save you up to £180 versus a high street agent.
Access to council schemes to assist with property renovations
Our Private Sector Housing Team assist landlords to access grants and funds. These can pay toward the costs of renovations or energy efficient schemes. We can assist you with applying for funds and help you understand what schemes may be available to you and the eligibility criteria. Find out more in advice for landlords.
Working with the tenant and the landlord
Before our client secures a property, they must:
- have confirmation from us that they are eligible for the scheme, and not part with money in advance, in the hope that they may be eligible
- not pay any fees or sign a contract until a member of the Housing Options Team has confirmed we will help with the property. The agreement must be signed off by our management team
Dorset Council is not responsible for anyone who does not follow the above, and loses money as a result.
The tenancy will only be approved if all the following apply:
- the property is suitable for the household
- the property is affordable based on an income and expenditure assessment
- the landlord or letting agent accept the terms and conditions of our scheme
- all funds are sent to the landlord/letting agent
The council will require the tenancy to be an Assured Shorthold Tenancy of at least six months, or twelve months if a Landlord Welcome is agreed.
You will have the freedom to select your tenant and conduct whatever checks you feel are necessary. No tenant will be imposed on any landlord, so you remain in control of who you select.
To support any ongoing issues, a named contact will be provided to both the landlord and the tenant to help to resolve any issues during the tenancy. If required, further tenancy sustainment work can be undertaken.
Listening to landlords
Dorset Council is a listening and developing council and this scheme is open to be developed, working with landlords to meet their needs in the current market. Our Landlord Liaison Officer will be working alongside landlords and letting agents to help build up better relations and work towards the goal of creating creative housing solutions to help the residents of Dorset.
Contact us to discuss our offer further
To make an enquiry or get a free valuation of your property within our Key4Me scheme, contact us today via our online form. Our Landlord Liaison Officer will get back to you.