Neighbouring councils have come together to offer a less ‘scary’ lettings service for landlords once the Renters’ Rights Bill bans no-fault Section 21 evictions.

East Suffolk Council and West Suffolk Council say their lettings service, which is free and includes guaranteed rent and regular inspections, will make the new regulations much easier to deal with.

Cllr Richard O’Driscoll, Cabinet Member for Housing at West Suffolk Council said: “We know there have been lots of scary headlines about the national changes but both West Suffolk and East Suffolk Councils can help and support landlords through these changes.

No cost

“Our West Suffolk Lettings Partnership for instance is already working with landlords and letting agents to manage 130 homes on their behalf at no cost to the landlord or agent, with guaranteed rent, regular checks on the property and support for both the landlord and their tenants.

“From our point of view, the national changes don’t need to be scary but they do present landlords and letting agents with another very good reason to look at how working with us can benefit them and their tenants.

We want to help private landlords navigate the new legislation coming their way.”

“Through this, they will also be helping our communities and supporting the delivery of West Suffolk’s Housing, Homelessness Reduction and Rough Sleeping Strategy.”

Cllr David Beavan, East Suffolk Council’s Cabinet member for Housing, said: “We want to help private landlords navigate the new legislation coming their way this year. With falling interest rates and a desperate need for housing locally, there will always be a place for responsible private lets in East Suffolk.

“Rather than rushing to evict tenants and getting bogged down in court proceedings, I would urge landlords to contact us to discuss the resources we have in place to help. We can offer advice on how to prepare for changes to the system and explore options to ensure a successful tenancy without cause for eviction.”