DSS Tenants - Are You Missing Out?

1. Cheaper properties acceptable generating higher yields: 8% is achievable and 10-12% not uncommon.

2. Generally a higher rent is achievable than private letting by generally 10-30%.

3. More consistent rent with less voids. A big bonus in a time of rising unemployment.

4. Flexibility: You still have the right to refuse a particular DSS tenant should you wish. DSS tenants have varying circumstances – escaping domestic violence, single mums, ill persons etc.

5. Less money required to refurbish a property as a basic standard is acceptable. Grants such as those at www.WarmFront.co.uk can be applied for.

6. Save advertising costs and have less voids– if you become an accredited Landlord the council will market the property for you and contact you with potential tenants. No requirement for TO LET boards as constant demand for properties due to reluctance that many letting agencies/ private Landlords have on letting to DSS

7. Some councils operate Bond schemes under which the Council will guarantee you a rent deposit.

The rent service web site allows you to calculate rents for any tenant applicants circumstance before you take on tenants (This is an improvement over the old housing benefit system). To learn more go here:

https://lha-direct.therentservice.gov.uk/Secure/LHASearchIntro.aspx

This is also useful tool to allow you to compare rents against the cost of your mortgage.

8. Direct payment of Housing allowance IS possible when letting to ‘vulnerable people’ – work closely with your local council and get rewarded with Direct Payment.