Here’s a rewritten version in British English, divided into multiple paragraphs for clarity, lengthened for a more natural blog style, and to look less like it was copied directly:
A local council has launched an initiative offering private landlords up to £4,250 as a so-called “landlord welcome” payment for joining a scheme aimed at tackling homelessness.
Dorset Council’s programme, known as Key4Me, has been running since last November. It recently celebrated re-housing its 100th household into the private rental sector, marking a key milestone for the project.
The scheme works by encouraging landlords to house tenants who are either at risk of homelessness or living in temporary accommodation. Rather than using traditional letting agents, who often charge hefty management fees, council officers provide direct support to landlords, which the council claims can save landlords as much as 15% in rental costs.
A mix of properties has been secured through the scheme, including one- to five-bedroom houses and various flats, offering a wide range of options for those in need of secure housing.
A council spokesperson explained: “We are turning the market on its head and proving that there are successful alternatives to expensive agencies or sourcing your own tenants.”
The spokesperson added: “Housing is one of the four priorities for this council. Our collaboration with landlords means we’re helping more households to access private rented homes on affordable terms, while landlords save hundreds of pounds in fees at the same time. So everyone benefits.”
As part of the initiative, the council provides the “Landlord Welcome” payment in instalments throughout the tenancy as a way to thank landlords for taking part.
Beyond the welcome payment, the Key4Me scheme offers a package of practical support. This includes help with paying rent in advance for tenants, as well as the option of a Deposit Bond worth up to 12 weeks’ rent.
Landlords can also benefit from help with a Rent Deposit of up to five weeks’ rent, alongside a Pet Bond of up to £400 to cover potential damage caused by pets.
To further ease the letting process, the council offers a free landlord compliance check, ensuring that properties meet required safety and legal standards before tenants move in.
Additionally, landlords receive a complimentary tenancy agreement and inventory, saving them time and administrative hassle.
Participating landlords also gain a free year’s membership with the South West Landlords Association, providing further resources and support.
By combining financial incentives with practical assistance, the council hopes to encourage more landlords to open their doors to those in housing need, ultimately helping to reduce homelessness across the area.
The Key4Me scheme illustrates an innovative approach by a local authority, using targeted incentives to boost private sector participation while easing pressure on social housing.
For Dorset Council, the results so far suggest this collaborative strategy can create real, long-term benefits for landlords, tenants, and the wider community alike.
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