Landlord Incentive and Tenancy Sustainment Scheme

We want to support eligible residents to access good quality and affordable homes in the private rented sector. To help achieve this, the Landlord Incentive and Tenancy Sustainment Scheme (PRS Scheme) supports landlords and letting agents by offering upfront payments, reliable tenant matching and dedicated advice throughout the tenancy, all provided completely free of charge.

We work with landlords who have properties both inside and outside the Braintree District. For properties within the district, we also provide a dedicated tenancy sustainment service to support both landlords and tenants throughout the tenancy.

The scheme is designed to reduce void periods, help landlords secure suitable tenants and offer increased confidence through our support and guidance.

Our Landlord Offer

When you let your property through the PRS Scheme, we provide:

• A cash incentive
• A dedicated tenancy sustainment service
• Deposit payment (up to five weeks’ rent to be placed in a government ‑approved scheme)
• First month’s rent in advance
• Full affordability assessments on all potential tenants

No fees. No commission.
We are not a letting agent and do not charge for any part of the service.

Landlords who let their properties through letting agents remain fully eligible for the incentive payment and tenancy sustainment service.

Our Tenancy Sustainment Service

Our Tenancy Sustainment Officer helps maintain long-lasting, successful tenancies by:

• Providing regular check-‑ins with tenants
• Offering early intervention if issues arise
• Supporting tenants with budgeting and managing their household finances
• Helping resolve problems before they escalate
• Facilitating positive communication between landlords and tenants

This proactive approach significantly reduces the risk of tenancy breakdown.

Landlord Cash Incentive Options

We offer two incentive options, depending on the rent level agreed for the tenancy.

1. Standard Incentive

We will offer the equivalent of one month’s rent as an incentive payment for a tenancy agreement.

2. Enhanced Incentive for Landlords Offering Local Housing Allowance (LHA) Rent

Where a landlord agrees to let a property at the LHA rate, we offer:

• 10% of the annual LHA rate, plus
• A one‑off incremental incentive payment based on property size

One-off incentive payment amounts

• 1 bedroom: £1,000
• 2 bedroom: £1,250
• 3 bedroom: £1,500
• 4 bedroom: £2,000

10% of annual LHA rate (per tenancy)

• 1 bedroom: £747.96 to £951.40 (plus £1,000 incentive payment)
• 2 bedroom: £951.40 to £1,136.88 (plus £1,250 incentive payment)
• 3 bedroom: £1,166.77 to £1,436 (plus £1,500 incentive payment)
• 4 bedroom: £1,495.88 to £1,735.24 (plus £2,000 incentive payment)

Example:
A three bedroom property in Witham let at the LHA rate would receive a total incentive payment of £2,936.

What We Do and What We Do Not Do

What we provide

• Tenant matching
• Affordability checks
• Upfront financial support (incentive, deposit and first month’s rent)
• Tenancy sustainment service for properties located within the Braintree District
• A single point of contact for support and guidance (for both tenants and landlords)

What we do not provide

We are not a letting agent. We do not:

• manage the property
• collect rent
• carry out inspections
• arrange or pay for repairs
• provide emergency call‑outs
• act as a guarantor

These responsibilities remain with the landlord or their chosen letting agent.

Eligibility

• Properties may be located inside or outside the Braintree District
• All required safety standards must be met (EPC, EICR, gas safety, alarms)
• Any relevant licences must be in place (for example, an HMO licence where required)
• Landlords using letting agents remain fully eligible

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Do I use my own tenancy agreement?

Yes. The landlord must provide the tenancy agreement, and all legally required prescribed documents.

Does the Council manage the property or act like a letting agent?

No. We do not manage properties, collect rent, arrange repairs or provide emergency services.

Does the Council act as a guarantor?

No. However, our tenancy sustainment officer supports tenants to reduce the risk of arrears and maintain their tenancy successfully.

Is landlord insurance required?

No. Landlord insurance is not required for the scheme, although it is strongly recommended.

Are there any property restrictions?

Any property type is eligible, provided the necessary licences are in place.

Will the Council help if rent is late?

We do not cover rent or act as a guarantor, but we work closely with tenants to resolve issues such as benefit delays or budgeting difficulties.