Property standards

We're committed to providing and maintaining decent, good quality accommodation for the benefit of the residents of Barnsley.

All potential properties offered either through a leasing arrangement or directly to Housing Options team, will be inspected by specialist staff to make sure they meet the minimum standards.

Our basic minimum criteria for residential lettings are:

• Property is free from hazards and disrepair.
• Properties are clean, well maintained, both internally and externally.
• Properties have suitable light fittings, curtain tracks and appropriate floor coverings of a reasonable quality throughout.
• Properties are fitted with operational smoke alarms that meet relevant fire safety regulations.
• All structural elements of the property (such as rainwater goods, doors, windows etc.) are in good condition and repair.
• Gas and electrical safety certificates are available.

Help to meet property standards

We can complete Housing Health and Safety Rating System checks on properties and provide advice to help ensure your property meets the required standards.

The private sector housing team:

• provides advice on property conditions
• conduct property inspections to ensure your property meets legal and acceptable standards
• shares good practice

They can help you identify what possible hazards are present in the property, and how to manage the property to reduce hazards that may cause harm or otherwise effect tenants.

Leasing to a registered housing provider

We work with registered housing providers and associations who lease properties from private landlords to provide homes for our customers. This is ideal if you don't want to be responsible for the day to day management of the property.

The lease

The terms of the leasing arrangement will be led by you. You'll discuss and agree with the provider how long you want to lease your property to them.

Guaranteed rent

During the term of the lease, you'll be guaranteed an agreed monthly rental income by the provider. This means you won't need to worry about unpaid rent or rent loss for periods when the property is empty.

The level of rental income you receive will depend on the:

• size of the property
• local housing allowance rates in the area
• provider’s management cost

The level of guaranteed rent paid to you is likely to be slightly below local housing allowance rates. However, the amount to be paid will be decided between you and the provider before starting the agreement.

Property management

The provider will deliver the day to day tenancy management on your behalf. This can include:

• working with us to find suitable tenants
• completing tenancy agreements and tenancy sign up
• rent collection
• inspecting the property
• making sure the property condition is maintained throughout the term of the lease
• ensuring repairs issues are raised and responded to swiftly
• completing gas and electric tests
• responding to tenancy issues
• providing support to tenants or make referrals for support as needed
• serving warnings and notices as necessary
• taking legal action where appropriate

Repairs

The provider will agree with you how to respond to any repair issues. You may wish to arrange for repairs to be completed yourself or allow the provider to do any repairs on your behalf. 

More information

For more details about leasing your property please contact us online.

Support from our Housing Options Team

Our Housing Options Team works to help people in need of accommodation to access suitable and affordable housing. 

Choice of tenants

It’s important that you feel comfortable with who you rent your property to. You will have the opportunity to meet potential tenants before making any commitment, and you will make the decision about who you will rent your property to.

Right to rent checks

Not everyone has the right to rent, or live in, private rented housing. Specific checks are completed to ensure prospective tenants have a right to rent, meaning you avoid any unnecessary sanctions.

Affordability checks

Affordability assessments are completed with each customer helping them choose a property they know they can afford, providing you with the reassurance that potential tenants are able to meet the rental costs of the property.

Support for you and your tenant

Working directly with us to provide homes for our customers you will have direct access to the Housing Options Team. We can offer information advice and guidance and assist tenants with the support they need to live independently, including help to manage finances, look after their home and access employment or training.

Direct rent payments

We know one concern for landlords is making sure rent is paid each month. We can help tenants who have previously struggled to pay their rent to make applications for direct payments. If awarded, this will ensure the rent is paid in full and on time directly to you.

Other financial assistance

We appreciate there are other potential costs to renting your property, and we can provide additional assistance such as providing a bond or deposit and paying rent in advance. We can also reimburse the cost of specific insurance you take out to cover the cost of property damage or rent loss.

Help at the end of a tenancy

When you decide to end a tenancy, we can support your tenants to find new accommodation and help to avoid expensive legal proceedings.

Contact the Housing Option team

Email adviceservices@barnsley.gov.uk or call (01226) 773870 for more information about the Housing Options team.

More information

See our advice for landlords page for more information about:

• repairs
• property energy efficiency
• gas safety
• waste management
• tenant behaviour