Provision of ‘Early Doors’ Early Intervention & Prevention Service for Tenants in the Private Rented Sector

Description

“Early doors” will be a support service for tenants in the private rented sector. The service is aimed to trigger support to contract holders (tenants) who display housing related support needs, which may include rent and utilities arrears or anti-social behaviour. The service will have the aim of preventing homelessness at its core, supporting individuals to sustain accommodation and reduce demand on statutory services. Lot 1: This tender exercise aims to identify and appoint a high quality specialist provider to build upon existing provision and to deliver services, to those displaying housing related support needs, by injecting robust support, liaising with local property owners, assisting the Council with intervention and preventing homelessness, managing properties and sustaining tenancies. The service will aim to trigger support to contract holders who fall into rent arrears, and who may not actively seek help to address their debts or any other issues until an eviction is imminent and the likelihood of preventing the eviction is nominal. The service will predominantly enable a referral route at an early stage, triggered by private sector landlords (and/or letting agents acting on their behalf), self-referral and the Council’s homelessness department. Provision will have housing, preventing and relieving homelessness at its’ core. The provision will assist vulnerable people to address difficulties such as debt, employment, tenancy management, substance misuse, and mental health. This list is not exhaustive.