Helping HALS finds affordable housing

10:01am Monday 6th August 2001

A housing scheme aimed at easing the desperate shortage of affordable housing in Croydon has now housed 400 people since its launch six years ago.

Croydon Council-backed HALS (the Housing Association Leasing Scheme) leases out suitable flats and houses under the management of housing associations for renting to families in need of temporary accommodation. It guarantees rent and provides incentives to landlords and tenants.

A council housing spokesman said: "Rents are competitive. Not only do they guarantee an agreed level of rent income for the duration of the contract, but they will have the assurance of vacant possession at the end and no unexpected repair bills to pay."

Croydon has a number of housing association partners participating in the initiative, including Hyde Housing Association in Thornton Heath, which has Garry Jamieson among its landlords.

The scheme is designed to help tackle the shortage of affordable properties available for temporary housing, a problem London-wide, and enable the council to cut its use of expensive bed and breakfast accommodation.

Croydon's cabinet member for housing, Councillor Tony Newman, said: "Like other boroughs throughout the capital, we are suffering an acute shortage of suitable, affordable properties for families in need.

"While we greatly appreciate the help of bed & breakfast owners in providing accommodation, this is very much a last resort and pricey.

"Under the Housing Association Leasing Scheme everyone's a winner.

"Homeowners and private tenants receive competitive, guaranteed rent, which means peace of mind, while the council and housing associations get the accommodation they need at the right price, and families get to live in a suitable flat or house."

Anyone interested in letting property through the scheme should contact the council's empty property hotline on 020 8760 5470 for more information.

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