The Homefinders scheme has been set up by Waveney District Council to help people in housing need to rent a home in the private sector due to a low stock of social housing.

The scheme offers private landlords a direct payment of the 1st months rent,a deposit and a goodwill payment of £250.

The majority of people eligible for the scheme will be receiving welfare benefits or be on a low income, this means that they will also be eligible for Housing Benefit. As part of the scheme Housing Benefit applications are fast tracked.

The rent is the responsibility of the tenant as the teancy agreement is a contract between landlord and tenant. A separate Homefinders agreement will be drawn up be ourselves outlining all parties obligations to the scheme.

We will consider all types of self contained properties for this scheme. The property will be inspected by a housing and environmental officer and regulations must be adhered to.

Should the tenant fall into rent arrears and damage occur to the property during the tenancy, we will require the tenant to pay us the rent in advance and deposit back in full.

The scheme is free and has been a success since its launch in January 2005.

For further information for either prospective tenants or landlords, please collect one of our detailed information leaflets or contact our Housing Options Team by telephone or in person at Marina House, Battery Green Road, Lowestoft (ex benefit office next to the Marina Theatre).

A dedicated Private Sector Liaison Officer will be contactable once the scheme has commenced.

Housing Options: 01502 523141
Private Sector Liaison Officer: 01502 523181