Use this page to find out how the Homefinder scheme can help private landlords let properties to local households.
Through the Homefinder scheme, we can help suitable tenants with the upfront costs of renting, and offer introductory support to set up the tenancy.
How the scheme works
The Homefinder scheme helps link up private landlords with tenants who are seeking private rented accommodation.
Through it we can offer loans to suitable tenants so they can pay deposits or rent in advance before moving in. We’ll arrange payments direct to you or your letting agent through Great Western Credit Union.
The scheme provides support to both landlords and tenants, helping to maintain successful tenancies.
Benefits for landlords
Affordability assessments
Before approving support, we assess whether a potential tenant can afford the tenancy. We can:
- Arrange for a tenant's deposit and rent in advance to be paid directly to you or your letting agent
- Carry out affordability assessments before support is approved
- With permission, share the affordability assessment to support your decision to offer a tenancy
- Help potential tenants access welfare support and money advice
Setting up the tenancy
We can help you get the tenancy started. We can provide:
- Advice on setting up a tenancy
- A tenancy agreement template
- A copy of the government's How to Rent guide for your tenant
Advice and support
We continue to support both landlords and tenants after a tenancy begins. For landlords we can:
- Provide advice over the phone or in person, five days a week
- Work with you and your tenant to help sustain the tenancy
- Offer mediation if disputes arise
For tenants we can help them:
- Settle into the property
- Understand their responsibilities as a tenant
- Access financial and welfare support
- Manage issues that could put the tenancy at risk
Property requirements
To be considered under the Homefinder scheme, your property must be:
- Affordable for the household
- The right size for the household and suitable for their needs
- Safe and in reasonable condition
- Free from disrepair
- EPC E or above (as per regulations)
Find more guidance about renting out your property.
Offer a property or find out more
If you're a private landlord and would like to discuss a property you have to let, or whether the Homefinder scheme could help a prospective tenant, sign up for more information.
You'll need to complete a short form.
Alternatively, you can contact us on 01225 396 296 or email Banes Home Finder Deposits at baneshomefinderdeposits@bathnes.gov.uk
If you are a tenant we can help you find a home to rent from a private landlord.
What happens next
After you complete the short form or contact us directly, a member of the team will contact you to discuss your property and any preferences you may have.
We may also arrange a property visit and ask for photographs to help us market the property to prospective tenants and answer questions they may have.