SHDC Ethical Lettings

Received from South Hams District Council:

Could ethical lettings help solve the local Housing Crisis? SeaMoor Lettings, the innovative South Hams District Council and West Devon Borough Council-run ethical lettings agency, has launched a new website to make it easier for local landlords to find out more and sign up. It’s hoped this will help more local people access private rental properties at an affordable price to alleviate the current shortage.

SeaMoor Lettings is part of SeaMoor Homes, an ethical estate agency run by South Hams District Council and West Devon Borough Council. It offers a professional management service for landlords with a very low 6% +VAT monthly management fee and other perks. This means landlords can afford to offer property at a lower monthly rent and still enjoy a healthy return on their investment.

Figures show that 32 landlords currently use the service, with 36 homes rented through SeaMoor Lettings across the South Hams and West Devon. The councils hope the new website will encourage more landlords to sign up so more local people can access properties at a below market rate.

How does it work?

SeaMoor Lettings gives private sector landlords a full property management service at a low 6% +VAT monthly fee that includes extra features like a 6 week rent and deposit guarantee. Because the management fee is lower, you can offer your property at a lower monthly rent and still enjoy a healthy return on your investment. You’ll get a professional, experienced service from our team.

The service includes:

• Tenant selection, credit checks and referencing
• Preparing tenancy agreements and associated legal documents
• Conducting quarterly management inspections including all outdoor spaces
• 6 week rent and damage deposit guarantee
• A 100% guarantee of the rent when the property is empty (maximum two months)
• Arranging and paying for your gas, electric and energy performance certificates
• Access to affordable finance packages for property improvements
• Rent account management
• A comprehensive inventory together with digital photographic evidence
• In-house support from the resources of the Council

Landlords and anyone looking to rent a property can take a look at www.seamoorhomes.co.uk

There is no salary cap to be eligible to rent a property, however priority will always be given to households with lower incomes.