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WiltsLet
WiltsLet is a free service for local landlords and people in housing need. It can help with lettings, tenancy matters, a deposit bond and rent in advance.
What is the WiltsLet Scheme?
Our WiltsLet Scheme is a free service for local landlords and households homeless or at risk of homelessness. It aims to support sustainable lettings by matching landlords and potential tenants to accommodation. Financial assistance may be given to cover the cost of a deposit and/or rent in advance. The Council may support the household with a Deposit Bond, or Cash deposit and/or rent in advance. The Deposit bond is a written guarantee from the Council which can be called upon at the end of the tenancy to cover any costs incurred in respect of damage beyond reasonable wear and tear or rent arrears during the term of the tenancy. In essence, it operates in the same way as a cash deposit.
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.
a deposit bond and rent in advance in some circumstances
advice on finding accommodation
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
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.
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.
We also check that the property meets lettings standards and the landlord will accept WiltsLet. We then confirm whether we can help you.
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.
