Housing Advice Service
Private Sector Agreement
We have a Private Licence Agreement Scheme. In this scheme, properties are offered to Managing Agents who procure accommodation on our behalf, which we use as Temporary Accommodation.
How does the scheme work?
We approach Managing Agents who procure suitable properties within the borough. We do not deal directly with prospective landlords. We approach Managing Agents for properties that are sublet from private landlords for use by us.
Should we need a property we contact the agents who provide us with a property to be used as Temporary Accommodation. Within the scheme landlords lease their property to an agent. We then create a licence agreement with the agents for the use of your property.
What are the Managing Agents responsible for?
The Managing Agents are responsible for:
- Making sure your property meets our health and safety standards
- Being an initial contact for occupants regarding repairs and maintenance
- Providing landlords with a professional management service and appropriate advice
- Carrying out inspections to the property once every 6-8 weeks
- Regular monthly payments
- Returning your property to you in accordance with the agreement that you sign
What do I do first if I would like the council to use my property?
Depending on our need, if your property is in good condition an agent of your choice will arrange to inspect your property and discuss rents with you. For an up to date list of Managing Agents, please see the List of Agents.
Please note: This list by no means acts as a reference to use these agents, but as a means of informing you, who we contact, should we need a property.
Will the council carry out checks on my property?
If your property is used as Temporary Accommodation, we may carry out routine spot checks as the need arises. The Managing Agents are obliged to carryout regular inspections on our behalf.
These inspections are to confirm that your property meets all of our legal and statutory requirements. We do not pay the agent or landlord for any repairs.
Specific inspections can be carried out by the agent in accordance with any agreement that you enter into.
Some useful web links relating to private sector leasing
If you need any further information on Private Sector Leasing please contact the Procurement Officer at the address shown.
Further documentation about private licence agreement
Houses of Multiple Occupation Standards 
PDF 112K
This pack is intended to help Landlords and Agents understand the various legal requirements which apply to houses in multiple occupation.
The 3 Boroughs Accredited Accommodation Scheme PDF 69K
Many of residents rely on others to provide them with housing accommodation. The Councils accept that they have responsibilities for ensuring that this accommodation meets at least, legal minimum standards. Ideally it should meet higher standards. Many people do not know what those minimum standards are. The creation of this Partnership is an initial step in overcoming that situation.
The 3 Boroughs Accredited Accommodation Scheme Property Check List PDF 18K
Owners of property are requested to use this form to carry out their own initial assessment of the property before applying for Accreditation - this check list can be used for this purpose.
The 3 Boroughs Accredited Accommodation Scheme Membership Application PDF 19K
The Furniture and Furnishings (Fire)(Safety) Regulations 1988 PDF 51K
These regulations set standards for the fire resistance of domestic upholstered furniture and furnishings.
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