The First Lets Scheme

The new First Lets website has now been launched, making it easier for people to find rented accommodation in Nottinghamshire, and helping them over obstacles like deposits and all the paperwork which is needed to rent a home. The site allows landlords to publish details of their properties, and helps both tenants and landlords rent in confidence.

The website www.firstlets.org.uk is the first of its kind in Nottinghamshire. It is a partnership project between Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe Borough Councils, who have worked together using funding secured from the government’s Homelessness Innovation Fund.

The website provides quick and easy access all in one place, to a range of services and information that will help tenants and landlords:

People can search for properties available to rent in Broxtowe, Gedling and Rushcliffe, and then apply online. The site gives details about each property, and in most cases there are also photos. Landlords with properties in those areas are encouraged to list their details on the site and can include their properties free of charge.

Potential tenants can apply for the First Lets Good Tenants' Scheme to make their application for a property stand out from the crowd - important in a competitive market and a good way to help secure your ideal home.

The project’s Lettings Accreditation Scheme (to be launched in April) helps those landlords with the highest standards get recognition for their efforts - properties that have been inspected and meet the scheme’s standards are highlighted on the website, assuring tenants that those properties and landlords have been inspected.

There is also a range of information to help both landlords and tenants, from advice on getting help with paying a deposit to a calculator that tells people how much housing benefit they may be entitled to.

Making all this information together in one place is an important step towards making privately rented accommodation a more affordable option for many people. In turn this means that people in need of housing have a greater range of options and can choose what best suits them.

For more information please contact;

Erin Brady
First Lets Project
Strategic Housing
Rushcliffe Borough Council
Civic Centre
Pavillion Road
West Bridgford
NG2 5FE

Telephone: 0115 914 8511

or visit www.firstlets.org.uk  (external link)