Direct lettings for homeseekers

Direct lettings for homeseekers

What are direct lettings?

The direct lettings scheme will give you the opportunity to find accommodation in the private rented sector with financial assistance from the council.

Direct lettings is an option for homeseekers who have approached the council as a last resort due to homelessness, and meet the legal criteria required to be given state assistance. These are :

• 'Eligible for assistance'
• Legally defined as ‘homeless’
• In 'priority need' for accommodation

For more information about what these terms mean, see these Shelter website pages.

All of our applicants are referred either direct from H&F Advice or through their housing options adviser.

Please note that direct lettings is not the same as temporary accommodation.

How do direct lettings work? 

Private landlords usually ask for a month’s rent in advance and a deposit. 

If you are on a low income it is extremely difficult to pay this. If you qualify for the direct lettings scheme the council will offer the landlord a deposit guarantee. We will also help you with your Housing Benefit claim. 

I'm interested - what do I do? 

If you are worried about your housing situation and think you could be entitled to help from the council with housing, and you haven't spoken to the council before, get in touch with H&F Advice. If you have already spoken to H&F Advice and were referred to a housing options adviser, tell them that you are interested in this scheme.  If you are eligible you will be given:

• A step by step guide for how to find the right property;
• An introductory letter from the council to the landlord / letting agent, explaining the scheme;
• Details of your contact within the direct lettings team

You can then telephone the landlords/agents and arrange viewings. The direct lettings officer will support you during your search for accommodation.

Once you have found a property you like you will need to contact the direct lettings officer who will advise you on what to do next. 

What happens to my application for council housing? 

Direct lettings customers are entitled to go on the local authority housing register.  Your banding may change, depending on your circumstances. You can discuss this in more detail with your options adviser.  

I'm already in temporary accommodation, can I 'swap' to direct lettings?

Yes, you can - contact H&F Advice for more information.