CWR Landlords Appeal
Calling all landlords – do you have a property you could let?
We are looking for 3 bedroom or larger homes to help refugee families waiting to come here under the UK Government's Vulnerable Person Resettlement Programme or refugees recently granted Leave to Remain here in the UK. People who have been housed by the Home Office in Cheltenham while waiting for the outcome of their asylum claim, are often keen to stay living in Cheltenham once they are granted Refugee Status. We need you to help make that possible!
For more information, including the rent paid and how the properties are managed for you, please see the FAQs below.
Please email us at cwr.landlords@gmail.com if you’re interested in renting a house with us, or have any further queries.
Landlord and Letting Agents FAQs
Abbreviations:
GARAS: Gloucestershire Action for Refugees and Asylum Seekers
GRW: GARAS Resettlement Worker
CWR: Cheltenham Welcomes Refugees
What is the overall process of renting?
It is important that any prospective landlord makes themselves aware of the general points laid out in our FAQs. There are definitely some benefits compared with most rentals, but there may be something that a landlord may normally expect to be included that isn't.
If a landlord is happy with the terms and confirms their interest to let, checks will be made on the location of the property relative to a doctor's surgery, availability of local school places and public transport. If these indicate the property location is suitable then there will be discussions with the landlord. If general terms are agreeable the property will be viewed.
If, after viewing, the landlord and GARAS are happy then arrangements will be made for the property to be rented.
How long does the tenancy have to be for?
The Home Office requires at least a 2 year tenancy agreement.
Who pays the rent?
The rent is paid by the council.
What amount of rent will be paid?
The rent paid will be the local housing benefit allowance (subject to any benefit cap that applies). The amount depends on the size of the property i.e. how many bedrooms it has.
Futher details are available on the Cheltenham Borough Council website, with an overview here.
When do I start getting paid rent?
Once the property is accepted, GARAS take on the property and the landlord hands over the keys. The property will immediately go into the Home Office system and the void cover for rent will begin. Payment is made once the Landlord or letting Agent invoices GARAS and the invoice has been checked.
How will I know the property is going to be accepted?
Initial checks will be carried out by CWR on the location of the property relative to a doctor's surgery, availability of school places and public transport. As the families may be very new to the area, and extremely unfamiliar with Cheltenham, it’s essential to have as many local amenities as possible close by.
Details will be passed to GARAS, who will decide if the property is suitable. GARAS will then have discussions with the landlord and arrange to view the property. If all seems fine and Environmental Health give clearance hen GARAS can put it into the Home Office system. GARAS will advise the landlord once the property is in the system.
How long will it take for a family to arrive?
The aim is to bring the family over within 6-8 weeks, however it could be longer for example the longest GARAS have had to wait for a property to be occupied is 4 months. There are many factors that can delay a family from arriving including visa issues or ill health.
However, there are also refugees already in the UK who would love to stay living in Cheltenham where they have made friends and local connections. In those cases, there will not be a wait at all.
Will I lose out on rent while I wait for the family to arrive?
No, because the Home Office will cover any void period.
How will I communicate with the family if they don't speak English?
Landlords and letting agents will communicate with the family via the GRW. They will have a direct contact number.
Does the property have to be furnished?
No, GARAS receives a budget from the Home Office to furnish the property.
Does the private property have to be unfurnished?
No
What happens if a landlord wishes to let a furnished property and it needs to be re-decorated?
The landlord is required to present the property for rent in a suitably decorated condition.
Will the property be checked for health and safety compliance?
Environmental Health will do an inspection of the property to make sure all health and safety standards have been met.
Will a private landlord be required to comply with any regulations beyond what a council is required to?
None that GARAS is aware of.
How will the family look after and manage the property?
The GRW will help the family to manage all aspects of the property.
Will Council Tax be paid, including void periods, and when will this be paid?
Council tax paid by the tenant will depend on their income. Any Council Tax paid by the landlord during the void period, will be paid back to the landlord by GARAS.
The Landlord or Letting Agent can invoice GARAS, who will then repay the outstanding balance once the invoice has been checked.
What about Insurance and risk of damage?
The families do not buy insurance, and GARAS does not pay a deposit to the landlord for this. Within the tenancy it is agreed that any damage done by the tenants will be paid for by the tenants.
Can anything be done to re-assure landlords about recouping any costs caused by deterioration of the property or fixtures and fittings caused by accident or abuse?
The normal Tenant- Landlord Agreement applies. There would be verbal reassurance from the GRW, stating that any damage done by the tenants would be covered by the tenants. This should be stated in the tenancy agreement.
What guarantees are in place for a landlord who wishes to recover their property after 2 years?
They have the same guarantees that any landlord would have. If the Landlord does not wish to renew the contract the tenants are required to leave by or on the due date. Garas will arrange a change of accommodation for the tenants.
Is the landlord able to specify any particular conditions?
These should be stated from the outset and included in the tenancy agreement