Under the Freedom of Information Act 2000, I am requesting the following information please, regarding your council’s use of private landlords for temporary and emergency accommodation:

1. Does your council currently work with private landlords who provide temporary and emergency accommodation on a nightly rate basis?
Yes for emergency accommodation

2. Do you currently have a need for additional private accommodation from landlords for temporary or emergency purposes?
Yes for emergency accommodation

3. What are the average nightly rates paid by the council for properties with:
o 1 bedroom: £50 per night
o 2 bedrooms: between £50 to £70 per night
o 3 bedrooms: between £60 to £80 per night
o 4 bedrooms: no current need for this bedroom size

4. Which property sizes (number of bedrooms) are currently in highest demand?
Placements for single applicants (rooms in shared accommodation), and self – contained properties for small to medium sized households with children

5. Which locations within your council area have the highest demand for temporary or emergency accommodation?
For emergency accommodation, all locations within the borough as most of the emergency accommodation we use is out of borough

6. When working with private landlords, does the council:
o Pay all utility bills: For emergency accommodation we may pay an additional charge to cover some utilities on top of the agreed nightly rate but our preferred options is to use emergency accommodation where we are not liable for utility costs.
o Cover any damages: No
o Manage the tenant directly: We are responsible for our emergency accommodation placements and will remain actively involved in their placements, but we do not manage the placement and this will be down the accommodation provider

7. Are formal contracts or agreements used with private landlords, and what is the typical length of stay for tenants?
For emergency accommodation, terms are agreed on a nightly let basis, length of stay will depend on availability of our own temporary accommodation however we will work actively to move applicants out of emergency accommodation as quickly as possible

8. Are there any eligibility requirements or property standards landlords must meet to work with the council?
Yes, we will conduct a full inspection of the property, check all property documents and will ensure that the landlord is a fit and proper person

9. How are payments made to landlords (frequency), and are any incentives or protections provided for property damage or tenant non-payment?
For emergency accommodation, payments are made via invoice, we do not provide any incentives or protections for property damage, applicants in emergency accommodation pay rent directly to the Council for their placement and we do take action if applicants fall into arrears, this does not affect payments being made to the emergency accommodation provider

10. How many households are currently on the council’s waiting list for temporary accommodation?
13

11. Who is the best point of contact for landlords interested in providing temporary or emergency accommodation?
Please provide their name, email address, and phone number. Please contact Danielle Willmott, danielle.willmott@wokignham.gov.uk or Landlords landlords@wokingham.gov.uk or contact 0118 237 8608