Q:I've never done this before, I've rented privately through agents but this is a whole new world for me and I'd like some advice please!
The reason we're thinking of letting to the local authority or housing association is because the house needs a new bathroom and kitchen and a few other bits and pieces. We need to move asap (family illness) and haven't got the money to do the necessary upgrading. Ideally, we'd like to keep the house rather than sell it for a number of reasons.
Would the LA/HA would tackle upgrading kitchens and bathrooms etc if we were to rent it to them?
What would be the pro's and con's of letting this way over letting privately?
Is there anything I should know, because I'm wet behind the ears when it comes to this!
Thanks
They won't upgrade stuff before taking it from you. They will pay for gas safety certs etc and any minor maintenance. You will have to pay for major things (boiler replacement).
The main problem will be your mortgage lender agreeing to the 3-5yr term!
It's Suffolk County Council, guy…
They set the rate too. I looked into this and the rate was quite low compared to what an agent said I could get for my house. However, my house was very large so off the scale of their top price. You need to find out how much they'd be willing to pay.
They don't take every house either. My friend looked into it. He had a lovely large 2-bed modern house with garden 2 miles out of a town in a good area. They said "no" … even though the waiting list was over 4,000 families.
Every council has a different policy because every one is meeting different needs. You will need to check what yours is – there might be some information on their website.
Which area/council is it?