WiltsLet

The scheme aims to assist both landlord and tenant by:

• helping Landlords to find suitable tenants without incurring unnecessary advertising and letting agent costs
• assisting with viewings of the property
• the Landlord not needing to comply with the Deposit Protection Scheme rules if they accept the Council's Deposit Bond as there is no deposit, simply a written agreement
• giving guidance to Landlords on their legal responsibilities to help them comply with new regulations as and when they are introduced
• the Landlord having a designated Officer who they can contact for issues and/or general advice
• receiving additional support from the Council's Tenancy Sustainment team if there are any tenancy related issues such as rent arrears or anti-social behaviour
• helping with drafting the tenancy agreement and/or inventory if required, and support with the sign up
• conducting affordability assessments to ensure the prospective tenant can afford the rent (Landlords will need to conduct all other necessary checks)
• assisting with property inspections, if required

The following will be covered up to the value of the deposit:

• damage to the property caused by the negligence of the tenant
• damages to fixture and fittings
• end of tenancy cleaning and removal of rubbish
• cleaning of cookers and bathrooms up to the value of £150
• rent arrears where there is evidence that the landlord has taken reasonable steps to try to recover the arrears

• unpaid utility bills
• normal wear and tear of a tenancy
• damage to communal areas
• gas and/or electricity meter charges
• personal debts owed to the landlord by the Tenant
• any charges not covered by the deposit will need to be claimed directly from the tenant

• a tenant should not move into the property, nor should the tenancy commence, until a Housing Manager has authorised the WiltsLet
• you will be required to sign a Landlord's agreement to confirm you understand the terms and conditions of the agreement as part of the pre-tenancy assessment process
• the Council will conduct a robust affordability assessment to ensure the property is affordable however, the landlord will be responsible to perform all other pre-tenancy checks
• the Council does not take on the property management responsibility

If you would like to be part of the WiltsLet Scheme or require more information, please email propertysupport@wiltshire.gov.uk (opens new window) with 'WiltsLet Scheme for Landlords' in the subject heading.

To qualify for the scheme you will need to be: 

• homeless or at risk of homelessness
• have a local connection to Wiltshire
• qualify in terms of your immigration status - ask us if you don't know
• unable to self fund a deposit and/or rent in advance

If you think WiltsLet could help you please contact Housing Solutions. We will need to know about your housing situation, income and any savings. We will check for any other sources of help available to you and need to see: 

• ID such as a passport, driving licence, birth or marriage certificate
• proof of your address and housing situation such as a Notice
• proof of any children such as a birth certificate or child benefit letter
• the last 2 months statements of all accounts such as building society, bank or post office ones

1. We advise you in writing whether you qualify for help. You then look for somewhere suitable to live. We can advise you on property hunting and will let you know of anything suitable on our books. See our tips on finding accommodation at Find a property.

2. Once you have found somewhere suitable, ask if the landlord will accept a deposit bond and let us know the details. Do not sign up to the property or hand over any cash at this point as we need to check that the property is affordable. WiltsLet can only support affordable lets. We will check the rent, your income and living costs.

3. We also check that the property meets lettings standards and the landlord will accept WiltsLet. We then confirm whether we can help you.

4. If the letting goes ahead you  need to pay the rent and keep the property in good condition. We may claim from you if there are any rent arrears or damage at the end of the tenancy.