Who are our customers?
Our customers are home finders that have applied to Westminster City Council for housing. They may be threatened with homelessness or in some other type of housing need. Each customer is assessed as being eligible for the West lets service and able to manage a privately rented tenancy. We also check that every customer can afford the rent and will make a good tenant.
What do I need to provide?
Before we can use your property, you will need to provide us with the following:
- Proof of property ownership
- Licensing certificate where applicable
- An Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
- A Gas Safety Certificate
- An Electrical Safety Certificate
How much rent can I charge?
We expect that the rent will be set at the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) for the area in which the property is located. The LHA can be found at https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/
How much are our fees?
We do not charge any fees.
How much are the incentive payments?
Our rates depend on the location of the property. But are typically
Studio £1000
1 Bed £2000
2 Bed £4000
3 Bed £4500
4 Bed £4500
We also pay you a renewal fee if you renew the tenancy after 12 months (or offer a 2 year tenancy) without an increased rent to the tenant
But ask us for a specific valuation for your property
Do you inspect my property?
We will inspect your property and advise you of any works required to meet the letting standards.
We can arrange to carry out these works on your behalf. If this is something you are interested in, please let us know and we will provide you with a quote.
Do you check, or reference your clients?
We do not pass on customers that have a history of rent arrears or would not make a suitable tenant in any other way.
We do not provide credit checks or referencing beyond our own eligibility assessment.
What about the letting period?
In some cases, we will agree to cover the rent loss for the period that your property is ready to let and we are selecting tenants for you. This is a rent cover guarantee.
We offer this to homes of a high standard where we want to move a customer from temporary accommodation and the process may take a few weeks. We will be clear with you from the start of the agreement whether we can offer you the rent cover guarantee.
What about taking a deposit?
We do not expect our clients to pay you a deposit.
If you decide to use our cash incentive payment as a tenant deposit, you will need to put the deposit in a government-backed tenancy deposit protection scheme within 30 days of receipt.
Who pays the rent?
The tenant is responsible for paying the rent once the tenancy is signed. We will offer the tenant advice on their obligations and claiming benefits if required. But as they are your tenant, you need to have arrangements in place to collect the rent.
If the tenant leaves, can I ask for another tenant through Westlets?
Yes – we will be happy to find you another tenant in these circumstances
What is the Fresh Start Scheme
This is a scheme for homeless households living in the Council’s temporary accommodation accepting a private rented offer from a landlord through Westlets
We can offer you a grant on top of the incentive payments we make to the landlord. The grant paid to you is:
Studio £0
1 Bed £500
2 bed £1000
3 bed £1400
4 bed £1600
Do we help with removals?
We can arrange for removals if you are leaving temporary accommodation provided by the Council – within the M25 or up to £500 if you are moving beyond that.
What is the Resettlement Grant Scheme?
This is a scheme for homeless households living in temporary accommodation that find their own privately rented home and wish to give up their temporary accommodation. We will help you with a one off grant.
1 Bed £1000
2 Bed £3000
3 Bed £4000
4 Bed £4000
Are there any options for homeless households living in the Council’s temporary accommodation?
Yes – we call this the Resettlement Grant Scheme
What must my Landlord provide?
- Proof of property ownership
- An energy performance certificate (EPC)
- A gas safety certificate
- An electrical safety certificate
- A carbon monoxide alarm (if appropriate)
- A copy of the signed tenancy agreement
What is the Home Finders Payment Scheme?
If you qualify, we offer financial help to rent a property in an area of choice.
This is a great opportunity for you to find a property which is affordable and meets your needs (within Local Housing Allowance Rates)
We make payments directly to the agent or landlord of the property on your behalf. The payment can also be made to you to assist with a deposit or rent upfront.
The payments offered are listed below for the following for the following property sizes:
1 Bed £1000
2 Bed £2000
3 Bed £3000
4 Bed £4000
How does the Westlets scheme work?
Westlets helps you to find a privately rented home by advertising vacancies on this website, or helping you to secure your own accommodation by offering you a payment to help you to move in.
Can I move anywhere?
Yes – you can look for a property anywhere in the UK.
We also have landlords with properties in many areas – you are free to consider if moving to another area is the right choice for you
How much is the rent?
We only offer properties that we think are affordable. The rents are usually set at the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) for the area in which the property is located. The LHA can be found at https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/
We will offer you an affordability assessment and will only put your forward for a property that we are sure you can afford
Can I apply directly to Westlets?
No. You can only be referred to Westlets by Westminster City Council or an agency working on the Council’s behalf.
How do I qualify?
Westlets take referrals from Westminster City Council, and also Shelter and The Passage (who also work for Westminster). You must be registered with the Council to qualify.
You will be homeless, or threatened with homelessness – and be eligible for the Council’s assistance.