Direct Lets

Please Note - This scheme is open to landlords who have properties to let. This is not for customers who have an open homelessness case or an active housing application, in this instance please visit our Housing pages for further guidance on eligibility, or to start an application.

Many of our clients are single people or working families on low incomes and we are looking for properties with rents that are at, or slightly above, the Local Housing Allowance rate. We can offer various incentives and support to landlords who choose to let their properties via Direct Lets.

What are the benefits?

The scheme provides benefits such as:

• Financial assistance to update safety certificates or carry out minor repairs (terms and conditions apply).
• Landlord incentives.
• Direct rent payments can be request for the first 12 months under an Alternative Payment Arrangement through the DWP (please note this will only be the amount paid by DWP under the housing element of Universal Credit, the tenant will be liable directly for any shortfalls. This is also subject to eligibility).
• National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) approved rent guarantor (subject to eligibility and affordability).
• No commission or finders' fees.
• Free tenant referencing.
• Ensure the property meets compliance standards.
• Tenancy sustainment and wellbeing support throughout the tenancy.
• Reduced financial impact of 'void' periods (under normal circumstances we will not pay rent during void periods but will commit to filling the property as soon as possible to limit financial impact).
• Advice on legislative issues that affect landlords.

Who can apply?

The scheme is available to all landlords with properties within Eastbourne or Lewes district areas.

To qualify to join the scheme, your property must:

• Meet health and safety standards
• Be secure, and in a reasonable state of decoration
• Have confirmation the property has had full gas, safety, and fire checks
• Meet minimum energy efficiency standards, including a valid Energy Performance Certificate of E or above

If you are a landlord and would like further information or you are interested in finding a tenant through the scheme, please contact us by emailing [email protected]

What happens next?

As part of the process, your property will be inspected by a member of our staff to ensure it fully meets the criteria.

Once this inspection has been completed and the property has been approved, we will then look to match you with a suitable tenant as quickly as possible.

Renters Rights Act

The Renters Rights Act 2025 officially became law on 27 October 2025 after receiving Royal Assent. While the Act is now law, it's provisions are being implemented in stages and apply to both new and existing tenants in England.

The first major phase of the reform begins on 1 May 2026. Please find information related to this in the link below:

https://www.lewes-eastbourne.gov.uk/renters-rights-act

Further phases will introduce a national landlord database, a private landlord Ombudsman and new property standards.

For more information on the Renters Rights Act please refer to the links below:

https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/guide-to-the-renters-rights-act

Landlords now to fulfil new legal duty for Renters' Rights Act - GOV.UK

The Renters' Rights Act Information Sheet 2026 - GOV.UK - please note that this will need to be distributed to landlords' current tenants to make them aware of the changes by 31 May 2026.