Rents
The rents are market rents. Details of the specific rent for your property will be discussed with you individually at the initial inspection.
Rent reviews
The rent is fixed for the term of the lease.
Type of property required
We are looking for self-contained accommodation, such as flats, maisonettes and bungalows. The size of properties required varies according to current demand.
Location of properties
Currently, we are only accepting properties located within the boundaries of Waltham Forest borough.
Furnishings
We require the property to be partly furnished, as detailed below:
- Fitted carpets or floor coverings in every room
- Heavy curtains as well as net curtains
- Gas or electric cooker
- Fridge / freezer
- Plumbing for a washing machine
- Light shades
Term of lease
Leases are for three years.
Property standards
Before any property is accepted on to the leasing scheme, it must meet our minimum standards. The purpose of having these standards is to ensure that the quality of properties is consistently high. The property must have central heating (with a 3 star service contract for gas boilers), be decorated to a good standard, and meet all health and safety requirements.
For more information on the minimum property standards please click here.
Responsibilities of the Owner
- Repairs
The Owner is responsible for the repairs/maintenance of the exterior and structure of the property, the plumbing, as well as the gas, water, electrical and heating installations. These repairs are specified in the lease and are set out in Section 11 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1985.
The Managing Agent will inspect the property on a regular basis and will advise you of any repairs that are required. You can either arrange to have the repairs done yourself, or the Managing Agent can arrange to have the works done on your behalf. - Insurance
The Owner is responsible for the building insurance on the property throughout the lease period. It will be necessary for you to contact your insurers to advise them of your plans to lease the property. - Utility bills and Council Tax
When occupied, the tenant is responsible for the utility bills (water, gas, electricity, telephone etc) and Council Tax.
Responsibilities of the Managing Agent
- Payment of rent
The rent is paid monthly in arrears, direct into your bank account or by cheque. - Inspections
The Managing Agent will inspect the property on a regular basis, at least once every two months. During these visits they will make note of any repairs that need to be done, and ensure that the property is being well looked after by the tenant. - Repairs and maintenance
In addition to regular property inspections, each Managing Agent provides a maintenance telephone hotline so that tenants can ring at any time to report repairs. The tenant is responsible for meeting the cost of any damage they may cause (either accidentally or intentionally). - Reinstatement of property at the end of the lease
If at the end of the lease you require the property to be handed back (rather than renewing the lease), the Managing Agent will undertake a full inspection to assess the condition of the property. They will return the property, in accordance with the lease, to you in the same condition that it was in at the start of the lease, fair wear and tear excepted. This reinstatement does not include replacing the carpet or other floor coverings of furnishings provided.
Responsibilities of the Council
- Allocate a tenant to a property
- Monitor the performance of the Managing Agents
- Co-ordinate the handling of complaints from tenants and landlords
Need more information?
If you would like more information please contact us on 020 8496 5521, or you can email your queries to the Private Sector Leasing Team at privatesector.housing@walthamforest.gov.uk.
