Landlords wanted to house Syrian refugees

Are you a local landlord in East Devon with a family sized property that is currently vacant? If so East Devon District Council would like to hear from you as soon as possible. 

This is because Central Government has asked local councils to help provide accommodation for Syrian refugees as part of the Syrian Vulnerable Person Resettlement Programme (VPR).

Housing that would be suitable for families is urgently needed, so properties with two bedrooms and upwards would be ideal. Obviously, any houses suggested to the council should be in good order and well maintained. Furnished and unfurnished accommodation will be equally welcome and both rural and urban locations will be considered.

East Devon will manage any properties and will provide tenancy agreements lasting five years, as resettled refugees are being granted five years’ Humanitarian Protection status. The rent will be in line with the local housing allowance.

Central Government will assess any suitable accommodation put forward by the council and will match housing to the appropriate applicants. A careful balance will be made between the offers of accommodation and the availability of appropriate support, which will be tailored to the needs of individuals.

Councillor Jill Elson, East Devon District Council’s portfolio holder for Sustainable homes and communities, said: “We are keen to help support vulnerable refugees fleeing the Syrian crisis and we believe that the most effective way to do this is through targeted resettlement. Helping the refugees relocate is one of our priorities and we want to work closely with any landlords in East Devon who think they may be able to assist with this important scheme. We want to give refugees the best possible chance to make a new life for themselves and we look forward to working closely with the VPR Programme team to ensure that this happens.”

Registered landlords should contact Andrew Mitchell either by phone on 01395 517469 or email on amitchell@eastdevon.gov.uk