A housing association is buying private rental homes where tenants have been served with Section 21 eviction notices.
Knowsley council’s Private Rented Rescue Scheme (PRRS) allows housing associations to use taxpayer-funded grants to buy properties.
PRRS applies where private landlords have issued Section 21 notices to tenants so they can sell the property with vacant possession.
The local authority has created a £1 million fund derived from Section 106 contributions paid by developers in lieu of delivering affordable homes on schemes post-planning.
Housing associations can apply for grants to help cover purchase costs, and to fund repairs.
The Prima housing association has acquired seven homes through the scheme, setting rents at Local Housing Allowance rates for the area.
Prima chief executive John Ghader says: “The Private Rented Rescue Scheme is a fantastic initiative making a big difference reducing the number of people at risk of becoming homeless when they have done nothing wrong.
“It gives people good quality, secure homes that are fully regulated and stops families being separated or struggling to find a suitable place to live after being evicted.
“The scheme reduces their monthly rent and provides vital stability because people can continue living in the same home and community where they are close to schools, work, family and friends.
“It also reduces the potential of families being split up when moving into temporary accommodation or having to relocate to a new area which can be heart breaking and really disruptive.”
Ghader adds: “We really welcome the Renters Rights Act … It is our belief the new legislation will lead to more private landlords selling their properties as many will not want to comply with the new regulations.
“We want to acquire more homes via the Private Rented Rescue Scheme and hope other local authorities look to establish similar models.”
This article is taken from Landlord Today