Private landlords can benefit from housing schemes

Private landlords with empty properties to rent are being urged to contact the council's housing department.

Housing officials can bring landlords and tenants together and ensure that empty properties are fully utilised.

The council can arrange short-term lettings of between six and 12 months, offer deposits, and a fast track housing benefit service to ensure payments are made smoothly. If you are interested in letting your property on a short term basis telephone 020 8871 6840.

For longer-term lettings of up to three years, housing staff can arrange to have the property looked after by a housing association, with competitive rents on offer and vacant possession guaranteed at the end of the lease. For further details telephone 020 8871 7846 or 7833.