Landlords leaflet DL:Layout 1 21/5/09 16:54 Page 1 Why should I apply? How to apply There are many benefits of having your To find out if you qualify for an property meet the Decent Homes interest-free home improvement loan, standard: please contact your local council office. I It will meet all current housing standards Details can be found below. I It will help you get the best tenants THE EAST KENT I Reduce re-let times and reduce void periods PRIVATE HOUSING PROJECT I Obtain the best rental IS IN PARTNERSHIPWITH I Reduce future maintenance and re-decoration Dover District Council tel: 01304 872 454 I Reduced tenant complaints email: [email protected] www.dover.gov.uk Thanet District Council tel: 01843 577 437 email: [email protected] www.thanet.gov.uk Swale Borough Council tel: 01795 417 131 email: [email protected] www.swale.gov.uk Shepway District Council tel: 01303 853 339 email: [email protected] www.shepway.gov.uk This and other documents are available in As a landlord you could be eligible to an foreign language translation. Please ask if you interest-free loan to improve your property. require this service. In partnership with: AN INTEREST-FREE LOAN. IT COULD BE FORYOU. Landlords leaflet DL:Layout 1 21/5/09 16:54 Page 2 What is the scheme? I Council Tax Benefit (does not include I replacement windows the single persons 25% discount) I heating Are you a landlord? I I If you are a landlord, providing you and your Job Seekers Allowance (income-based) insulation property meet the criteria, you may be entitled to I Pension Credit; I smoke detectors an interest free loan of up to £15,000. I Income-related Employment and Support I ceilings There are two types of loans available: Allowance. I walls 1. An interest free loan up to £5,000 for improve Actual benefits may differ from time to time or I insulation and heating between each local Council. floors 2. An interest free loan up to £15,000 to make the Further information can be obtained from your I stairs and handrails property meet the ‘Decent Homes Standard’ local Council. I replacing very old kitchen units and bathrooms Am I eligible? If you are a landlord and are willing to let your property to a tenant on an eligible benefit, you may Repayment of loan be able to receive a loan if your property does not Loans are repayable within three years of the meet the ‘Decent Homes Standard’. works being completed. For landlords who are What work could I accredited with the Council the repayment period These are the eligible benefits: have done? is extended to 10 years. Accredited landlords I may also receive Working Tax Credit (income limits Eligible works may include repairs and apply) improvements to the external and internal I Free gas safety certificate I structure of the building, which include: Child Tax Credit (income limits apply) I Electrical test safety certificate I I electrical repairs Income Support - Housing Benefit I Smoke detectors I replacement roofs I Energy certificate I rainwater pipes Funds are limited and preference will be given to accredited landlords..