1. Use of Private Landlords
a) Does the council currently lease residential or commercial properties from private landlords or companies: Yes
b) If yes, what property types are accepted (e.g., single lets, HMOs, flats, blocks, B&Bs, hotels, conversions): Depends on current demands and needs.
c) Does the council accept properties outside its borough: Depends on current demands and needs; preference is for accommodation within the borough.

2. Lease Terms & Requirements
a) What are the standard lease terms (length, break clauses, renewal options): This depends on current demands and needs; at present the Housing Needs and Options Service has one long term lease with break clause and renewal option.
b) Does the council offer FRI leases or guaranteed rent: The Housing Needs and Options service has one lease in operation and offers guaranteed rents for landlords on our rent guarantee scheme but we do not lease these properties, the landlord will issue an AST to the tenant directly.
c) What minimum standards/certifications are required (e.g., EPC, fire safety, HMO licensing): EPC, fire safety, HMO licensing, insurance evidence, evidence that landlord is fit and proper person, evidence of property ownership, full inspection of the property carried out by the Housing Needs and Options Service.

3. Rental Pricing
a) What rent levels does the council typically pay: LHA rates
b) Please provide the typical ranges by property type: LHA rates
c) How are rents calculated (e.g., market comparison, internal formula, LHA rates): LHA rates
d) Are any incentives or refurbishment contributions offered: Initial incentive can be offered for properties coming onto our Rent Guarantee Scheme of £500.

4. Unit Requirements
a) What is the minimum number of units the council will consider (single units vs. multi-unit blocks) In terms of leasing, the Housing Needs and Options Service are not actively procuring for leased properties/ units, however we are always happy to speak to landlords about joining our rent guarantee scheme and there is no minimum requirement for units/ properties.
b) Are there preferred unit sizes (1–3 bed): Preferred property size at present is single units and family sized accommodation (2, 3 and 4 bed properties).

5. Tenant Use & Support
a) What tenant groups are placed in leased properties (e.g., homeless households, temporary accommodation, care leavers, asylum seekers): Households and single applicants who we have accepted the homeless relief duty too; our current lease property is used for temporary accommodation whilst our rent guarantee scheme properties are used to offer to households to end their homelessness duties.
b) Does the council provide any support or management services within these placements: Yes, for our leased property we provide full support and for our rent guarantee scheme properties we provide regular inspections of the property whilst they are on our scheme, we will also work with the landlord/ agent to help with any tenancy related issues.

6. Current Demand & Process
a) Is the council currently seeking new landlords or property providers: We are currently seeking new private sector landlords to join our rent guarantee scheme or to make properties available to households we are supporting via rent deposit and rent in advance assistance
b) Which property types are most needed: Single units and family sized properties
c) What is the onboarding/procurement process: An initial meeting will need to make place with our Accommodation Procurement Officer; this can be arranged by contacting Landlords landlords@wokingham.gov.uk
d) Please provide any available guidance or standard agreements: N/A

7. Current Portfolio
a) How many properties does the council currently lease from private landlords: The Housing Needs and Options Service lease one property with 23 units in it.
b) Please provide a breakdown by property type: As above.
c) What is the average occupancy rate: As this is used for temporary accommodation we aim for 100% occupancy.

8. Contact Details
a) Please provide the relevant department/officer responsible for private sector leasing or temporary accommodation procurement, with email and phone contact: Please contact our Accommodation Procurement Officer via Landlords landlords@wokingham.gov.uk