Support available for empty property owners and landlords in Carmarthenshire
Carmarthenshire County Council remains committed to reducing the number of empty properties in the county as well as increasing the rental properties available, with the Empty Properties Team able to provide a range of support to landlords and empty property owners.
This includes information and advice to owners of properties in need of renovation to bring them back into use or up to a reasonable standard for rental and existing landlords, such as:
- Information on financial assistance
- Help with VAT exemptions
- Advice on renting out properties via the Council
The support available from the team includes advice on funding administered by Carmarthenshire County Council on behalf of Welsh Government.
Leasing Scheme Wales provides landlords and owners of empty homes the opportunity to lease their property the Council for between 5 and 20 years.
Benefits for property owners:
- Guaranteed and regular income – No arrears or rental voids. Owners signed up to the scheme will get guaranteed rental income, at the relevant local Housing Allowance rate
- Variable lease terms – Owners can sign up properties up for leases between 5 and 20 years
- Full management of the property – The scheme offers a guarantee of appropriate support for tenants, for the lifetime of the lease
- Maintenance of the property undertaken and paid for – The scheme covers repairs of any damage to the property made by tenants
- Funding to bring properties up to agreed standards – Properties may be eligible for a grant of up to £5,000 – for empty properties up to £25,000 may be available
The Houses to Homes Loan Scheme provides loans for properties empty for longer than six months to bring them back into use as residential homes. This finance can be used for properties intended for sale or rent.
Simple Lettings is a Social Lettings Agency that works in a similar way to a private lettings agency, but with Carmarthenshire County Council providing the management service.
There are no management or admin fees and as part of the platinum package, property owners will receive:
- Free ‘Tenant finder’
- Guaranteed rental income which includes void periods
- All day-to-day repair and maintenance costs covered
- Free landlord gas safety certificate
- Free 24/7 central heating and plumbing cover
- Free electrical testing and inspection report
- Free energy performance certificate
- Free advice from qualified and regulated staff
- Professional Digital Inventory
- Free Occupation Contracts
- Damage waiver guarantee
- No Requirement to be licensed with Rent Smart Wales
For more information on Simple Lettings, please contact the Simple Lettings Team – simplelettings@carmarthenshire.gov.uk
Cllr Linda Davies Evans, Cabinet Member for Homes said:
“There are many options available to owners of empty properties and our team of Advisors are here to help identify the most appropriate support available, depending on the circumstances.”
“The Empty Properties Team can also provide advice to owners of Houses in Multiple Occupation (HMO) on housing and safety standards, HMO management regulation and Rent Smart Wales.”
For more information on the support available to landlords and empty property owners visit the Council’s website.