Torbay council is aiming to prevent homelessness in the area by calling on landlords to get in contact if they are struggling to let out their properties or if they may need additional support with tenants to prevent the need to serve notices.
Tenants are also implored to reach out if they feel they are in danger of being served notices, in a message in which Torbay council are saying, ‘save the tenancy — don’t serve the notice’.
The council has emphasised its Tenancy Matching Scheme, in which ‘tenancy ready’ clients are
matched with local landlords based on factors such as suitability and affordability.
Advice is also being provided for both tenant and landlord, as well as up to date guidance on current legislation, among a series of other services.
Cllr Hayley Tranter, cabinet member for adult and community services, public health and inequalities, at Torbay council, said: “Over the past few weeks we have seen a bit of a spike in tenants becoming homeless and needing temporary accommodation, and we obviously want to avoid this happening wherever possible.
“Our main message here is that prevention is better than cure – save the tenancy, don’t serve notice, so whether you are a tenant at risk of being served notice or a landlord experiencing issues our housing officers are here to help.
“Our tenancy matching scheme also offers support for landlords including finding suitable tenants for your property, deposit and rent in advance to minimise delays in letting your property, ongoing support for you as long as the tenant lives at the property, and a review of each tenancy at the end of the first six months.”
