PRIVATE landlords are being encouraged to sign up to a new lettings scheme run by Dudley Council.

The scheme aims to help people struggling to find a private rental tenancy by providing fast-tracked housing benefit payments and ongoing help to successfully maintain the tenancy.

A written guarantee will be given to landlords in replacement of the rental deposit, which states the council will cover the cost of any damage caused to the property.

Landlords will also receive information, advice and support from scheme staff on successful letting, a free property advertising service and will have full input into offering a tenancy to any person referred to them by the scheme.

Other associated council departments will act as back up and support to landlords needing any other help and advice.

Councillor Gaye Partridge, cabinet member for housing, said: “This scheme is aimed at helping people across Dudley borough who need housing but are having difficulty finding accommodation because they don’t have the cash deposit payment. This can be for all sorts of reasons and we want to help people find good, safe and secure properties.

“We are keen for landlords to come on board and work with us. Landlords will get a complete back up service, as well as being fully involved in the decision making process when tenancies are being organised."

Interested landlords can nominate their properties, which must be located in the borough, by emailing psh.housing@dudley.gov.uk or calling 01384 815118.