Council says it can only pay 60% of open market rents

A council that uses private sector rental accommodation to help it meet it’s homelessness obligations is criticising landlords faced with higher costs.

Dartford council claims landlords are either selling up or hiking the rent they charge the council for flats and houses used as emergency accommodation.

The council says some are asking to increase rent by up to £600 per month.

A report on the Kent Live news website says the Dartford area’s private rental has shrunk over the last year – especially for larger properties- just as there’s been an increase in homeless applications.

A paper produced for councillors also suggests there’s been an increase in homelessness applications from outside the area.

Read the full article at Letting Agent Today