Housing FAQ's - Renting
Question
I am struggling to pay my rent, what can I do?
Answer
You should contact the Housing Benefit Department at Kennet District Council to see if you are eligible to claim for Housing Benefit.
You should also contact the Citizens Advice Bureau who will provide you with free advice about any entitlement you may have to welfare benefits, financial and debt advice including help with your budget, negotiation with lenders and any other matter that may affect your housing situation.
If you are falling behind on your rent payments you should talk to your landlord to keep them informed of your situation.
Question
Can Kennet do something about the unsatisfactory service I have received from my Housing Association landlord?
Answer
Kennet does not have any direct control over the housing associations working in the district. In the first instance, you should seek to resolve the matter by speaking to your housing association landlord. All housing associations should have a written complaint procedure.
If you still feel your complaint has not been satisfactorily dealt with, you can seek assistance from your local Citizen’s Advice Bureau. Additionally, you can contact the Independent Housing Ombudsman (IHO) www.ihos.org.uk (External link). In contacting the IHO, you will normally need to demonstrate that you have already been through your landlord’s internal complaint procedure.
Question
I am a landlord/lady. What rent can I charge for my property?
Answer
We advise you to contact the Rent Office on 0117 934 0650.
It is also advisable that a landlord/lady requests a Pre-Tenancy Determination (pdf, 21 KB) be undertaken if a potential tenant is likely to be claiming Housing Benefit. This form can be obtained from the Housing Benefit section at the Council.
If you wish to let your property through the Private Sector Leasing Scheme, rents will be within housing benefit levels and will include a deduction for the costs of managing the property by Sarsen Housing Association.
Following an inspection of the property we will be able to provide landlords with a rental figure taking into account the size of property and location etc. The rent is guaranteed over the term of the lease even if the property becomes vacant at any time.
Question
Can you tell me more about Sure Let (formerly known as the Rent Deposit Guarantee scheme)?
Answer
Follow here for information about Sure Let
Question
How do I rent a Housing Association property?
Answer
To rent a housing association property in the Kennet district, you must be on the Kennet Housing Register. If you wish to join the register then you need to complete an application form.
To request an application form please visit www.homesatkennet.co.uk (External link) or call homes@kennet on 01380 724911.