Scotland s first social enterprise letting agency
Our Aims To lead by example and improve quality of both properties and management within the PRS Supporting vulnerable people to access quality homes in the PRS To create and deliver innovated solutions to issues within the private rented sector.
Facts and Figures 305,000 privately rented homes in Scotland 1 in 5 households in Glasgow lives in PRS 30% people in PRS receive housing benefit Families receiving housing benefit rose by 62% in the last five years.
Need, Opportunity & Challenge National & local government see PRS as solution to housing crisis Huge variation in quality - landlords and letting agents Increasing demand from all walks of life Welfare reform huge uncertainty Fragmented industry lots of competition
One year on. Staff team of 5 City centre location 90 properties and growing Partnerships created with several west of Scotland councils and support agencies Plans to establish an Edinburgh base (September 2014)
Innovation Young people / professional flat share Empty homes refurbish and long term lease Make your move fund for vulnerable tenants Financial inclusion project.
An overview of our properties
It s hard work.. Careful tenant selection to assure their affordability and understand their responsibilities Both tenants and landlords have low expectations when it comes to customer service based on previous experience Two thirds of letting agencies do not consider applications from people on housing benefit a missed opportunity
But we love it! We see the real difference to our tenants lives when they move into our homes. Everyone is a landlord for a different reason both challenging and interesting Reliability of contractors remains a critical business risk and can be a point of weakness for customer service. We continue to see ways we can improve to make things better for all.
Our Social Impact 49% tenants receive housing benefit Only letting agency in Scotland with social work qualified staff 84% tenants unemployed, students or on low income 48% tenants 2 or more support needs actively engaged with our team.
Our approach Home is the most important thing in a tenant/family s life. Intensive liaison with housing benefit and support agencies where required Fortnightly, monthly or quarterly catch ups as required rather than inspections Treating the tenant as the customer also benefits the landlord Supporting people with initial move, home making and budgeting advice
BrightHouse 2398.00
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Case Studies
Siobhan Single mum, 17 years old Son under 1 Relationship breakdown Mother close by Poor housing benefit response - 3 months no money
Stacey Young mum First child Had to give up employment due to no support On benefits including housing benefit Arrears accrued but support given
Jessie and Jack Working family with two children Sold own home to move area Opportunity to buy but choose not to Renting from family who moved due to work commitments who are now also renting
Is the PRS suitable for families? Houses with gardens are scarce Leases are generally 6 months to 1 year which leads to a lack of security As housing market improves landlords more inclined to sell Less regulation = risk of lower quality properties and poorer management In pressured market tenants scared to complain.
Is the PRS suitable for families? It offers greater choice of location Is affordable dependant on area Opportunity to bypass social housing waiting lists to suit changing housing needs Most landlords want happy tenants who are settled long term in their property Provides a crucial housing option for people who are unable to access mortgages
Happy homes, sound investments. susan@homesforgood.org.uk