Smartmove are delighted to be working with PropertyNews.com to maximise our outreach for both tenants and landlords. Smartmove is a housing charity funded by the Northern Ireland Housing Executive. They offer a province-wide service and our main aim is to get clients off the waiting list and into the private rented sector. The service is FREE for the first 12 months for all landlords and there are always tenants waiting for new properties. After this 12-month period, only 3% of the rental income is requested for the service.
How we do it:
Smartmove Housing reduces the need for households to pay large amounts of money to access properties by offering a bond to the landlord and a saving scheme to the tenant. The scheme provides tenants with support to find a suitable property that is affordable for their household. Smartmove helps the tenant set up their rent account, housing benefit claim, and understand their rights and responsibilities as a tenant. After this process, Smartmove will signpost or refer tenants to another service if they need more help or support.
Why we are doing it:
Smartmove Housing has 11 years’ experience of working in partnership with private landlords; providing good quality, affordable properties which offer a long-term housing option to individuals and families throughout Northern Ireland. The service aims to promote the Private Rented Sector as a viable 3rd housing option by providing specialist housing advice and ensuring adequate legislative protection. There is a strong focus on creating and developing effective partnerships with landlords, statutory and voluntary organisations to expand the Smartmove Housing scheme across Northern Ireland. The scheme helps to protect the investment potential and reputation of the Private Rented Sector through good practice.
Smartmove Housing has over 400 landlords on their books and houses and sustain the tenancies of between 40-60 households each month. If you are the landlord of tenant experiencing difficulties, Smartmove can step in to resolve these issues. Each tenant will start their tenancy with an initial 12-month contract, to provide stability and to ensure the tenant can make the house their home.
For more info please visit our website www.smartmove-housing.com or find us on Facebook
