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Private Sector Leasing Scheme - Frequently Asked Questions

We have complied a list of questions which our landlords often ask us.  Please see below for some useful answers.

 

How much rent will I receive if I rent my property through the Private Sector Leasing Scheme?

We are currently able to offer up to £1,000 pcm for a 3 bedroom house and up to £1,200 for a 4 bedroom house.

 

How long does it take for a property to be accepted onto the Private Sector Leasing scheme?

Following the inspection we normally sign contracts and consequently take the property onto the PSL scheme between 3 and 4 weeks after the initial inspection.

Day 1:             Initial inspection takes place.

Week 3:          We should have received all of the requested paperwork.

Week 4:          Inventory takes place.

Week 4:          Lease signing takes place.

 

How long is the term of the lease on the Private Sector Leasing scheme?

The initial lease period will be for either 2 or 3 years.  Upon lease expiry there will be an option to renew the lease for a further 1 or 2 years.  The lease renewal will be dependent on parties consent, stock requirement and quality of property.

 

If I rent my property through the Private Sector Leasing Scheme, who will the tenants be?

London Borough of Enfield will be your tenants and will sub-let the property to homeless families.  You will not be able to specify which type of family lives in your property. The property would not be used as a hostel.

 

How, as a landlord, will I be involved once my property is signed on the Private Sector Leasing scheme?

Most management issues will be dealt with by the Property Management team, however structural issues will remain the responsibility of the Landlord under the terms of the lease.  For example you will still be expected to carry out repairs to windows and fences.  You will also be expected to complete any repairs which are deemed to be fair wear on tear.  Full details of landlords repairing obligations can be found here.

Should any pest control work need to be carried out, this can be completed by LBE's pest control department, but you will be expected to cover the cost of this treatment.

 

If my property is leased through the Private Sector Leasing scheme can London Borough of Enfield carry out landlord repairs to the property and deduct the cost from my rental payments? 

Unfortunately we are not able to offer this service to our landlords.  Landlords will be expected to engage their own qualified contractors to undertake any necessary work.

 

If my property is leased through the Private Sector Leasing scheme can I terminate the lease before the end of the contract?

This is not possible.  Once a lease is agreed only London Borough of Enfield can end the lease early.

 

If my property is leased through the Private Sector Leasing scheme will my property be returned to me on the date the lease expires?

We will endeavour to return your property to you by the lease end; however this is not always possible.  If your property is returned after the lease has expired you will be paid rent until the day the keys are available for collection.

 

If my property is leased through the Private Sector Leasing scheme and I have a garage, can I choose not to give the tenants access to it?

In some cases it is possible for the garage to be excluded from the lease.  If this is the case the garage would need to be secured and fenced off.

 

If my property is leased through the Private Sector Leasing scheme and I have wooden floors do I still need to provide carpets?

Wooden floors are acceptable however carpet must be fitted to the stairs and landing.  Vinyl flooring is required in the kitchen and bathroom.

 

How can I renew the lease if my property is currently leased through the Private Sector Leasing scheme?

Prior to the end of the current lease you will be contact by the PSL team to find out if you wish to renew your lease.  If you have not received any correspondence and your lease is due to expire within 4 weeks, please contact us on: 020 8379 3046.

 

If I rent my property through the Private Sector Leasing Scheme, how will my rent be paid?

You will be paid quarterly in advance via a BACS payment straight into your bank account.

 

Who will pay the utility bills and council tax while my property is leased through the Private Sector Leasing Scheme?

All of the utility bills and the council tax will be the tenants' responsibility.

 

What paperwork will I have to sign to lease my property through the Private Sector Leasing Scheme?

You will need to sign the lease which will be between you and London Borough of Enfield before your property can be taken onto the scheme.

 

Who deals with the maintenance of my property while it is leased through the Private Sector Leasing Scheme?

Your property will be looked after by the Property Management team who will be the first point of contact for any tenant or property issues.  If any repairs are required the property manager will contact you over the phone and then confirm the repair in writing usually giving you 14 days in which to complete the repair.

 

What happens if the tenants have damaged the property while it is leased through the Private Sector Leasing Scheme?

If there are any issues of tenant negligence the property would be inspected by a clerk of works.  If their report concluded that the fault was caused by tenant misuse then the repair would be completed by us, if the report did not find this, then you will be expected to complete the repair.

 

If my property is leased through the Private Sector Leasing Scheme, will I have access to inspect the condition of the property at anytime?

You can have access to the property by appointment only.  This can be arranged through your property manager at a mutually convenient time for all parties.

 

If my property is leased through the Private Sector Leasing Scheme, can I expect it to be in the same condition at the end of the lease as it was at the start of the lease?

No, the property will be returned to you with some fair, wear and tear.  If there is anything which is missing or damaged above fair, wear and tear we will pay you compensation for this.

 

If my property is leased through the Private Sector Leasing Scheme, what happens if the tenant stops paying their rent? 

As your tenant is London Borough of Enfield, if our tenant fails to make rent payments this will not have a financial impact on you.

 

If my property is leased through the Private Sector Leasing Scheme, what furniture do I need to provide?

You will need to part furnish the property.  For a list of our requirements, please click here.

 

If my property is leased through the Private Sector Leasing Scheme, are there any rules that the tenants need to abide by?

Yes, our tenants sign a tenancy agreement which clearly explains what is expected of them during the tenancy.