Providing accommodation after COVID-19

Affordable private rented accommodation urgently needed in Banbury, Bicester and Kidlington

We are currently seeking private rented accommodation in Banbury, Bicester and Kidlington to assist with the high demand for safe and secure housing following COVID-19.

We are urgently seeking 1 and 2 bedroom accommodation which can come in the form of self-contained units, shared accommodation rented by room or possibly in its entirety.

Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates have recently seen a large increase and we would be hopeful that any offer of accommodation would come within this or relatively close in order to make this affordable, however there is a possibility of additional top-up payments should a tenant have an existing support package in place but this can be discussed in detail once a property has been identified.

Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates

Weekly

Monthly

Shared room rate

£78.02

£338.09

1 bedroom rate

£149.59

£648.22

2 bedroom rate

£178.36 £772.89

Note: some tenants may qualify for the 1 bedroom rate even when renting a room in a shared house depending on their individual circumstances.

The package currently offered to Landlords upon a successful let through the Cherwell Bond Scheme:

  • No fees charged
  • Bond guarantee equivalent to the value of 10 weeks rent.
  • Landlord Home Improvement Grants up to £15,000.
  • £50 a year to help with the cost of the annual gas safety check.
  • Pay for the installation of hard-wired smoke detectors, if needed.
  • Find tenant/s for your property.
  • Arrange for the tenant/s to view and sign-up for the property.
  • A Government approved model tenancy agreement, if needed. Minimum of 12 month let depending on Improvement Grant use.
  • 3 months support from a Tenancy Support Officer.
  • 6 monthly visits to assess property condition and discuss any issues.

Further information and how to help

We anticipate that this could be a fairly quick process once movement between properties is permitted (urgent moves may go ahead sooner taking the necessary safety precautions) so if you have any properties that have been empty due to COVID-19 then this could be a mutually beneficial arrangement.

Please email housing.standards@cherwell-dc.gov.uk with your contact details, accommodation type available, area of accommodation, potential rental charges and any other queries you may have. We will contact you as soon as possible with further details.