Building Together

Background

The Brighton and Hove private rented accommodation market, when compared to other parts of the UK, is both extremely competitive and expensive in terms of availability of accommodation and monthly rental costs.

Landlords are understandably keen to protect their investments and hope that their tenants will live peaceably and respectfully. Traditionally landlords have asked for rent in advance, deposits and guarantors to safeguard their properties. Where people are surviving on benefits, are incapable of work or are working through life controlling issues the traditional access routes into private rented accommodation can seem completely unattainable.

What is Building Together?

Building Together offers landlords the opportunity to have their properties repaired and redecorated by prospective tenants working alongside a skilled worker, needing only to supply materials.
In exchange for the savings made in labour costs the landlord waives the need for a deposit or rent in advance understanding that the tenant will be supported throughout the duration of their tenancy and that the Friends First charity can act as an intermediary should the need arise.

Building Together offers an opportunity for motivated people, who might otherwise struggle to gain entry into the private rented sector, to literally ‘build’ into their futures.

How will the scheme work?

The landlord and the skilled worker agree on the works to be carried out
Work would need to be manageable within a two week ‘full time’ period
Landlord and tenant sign the tenancy agreement – 12 months – offset until completion of the work
The landlord provides materials
The skilled labour is then carried out by the worker and the tenant
The landlord inspects the work
The tenant moves in
HB is paid directly to the landlord

At the end of the tenancy, any unreasonable repairs or dilapidations would be taken care of using the same format.

In summary:

Preparing the way
Building relationships with local landlords and letting agencies, building confidence in our answer to their concerns
Preparing people
Building a culture that promotes early move-on planning, dedicated skills training that tackles issues and prepares people for the future
Building Together
Offering landlords the opportunity to have their properties repaired and redecorated free of labour costs
Involving motivated people in the preparation of their new homes
Supporting people through their tenancy to sustain their independence

Investment

Supporting People have invested into the Building Together project idea by funding the initial pilot schemes. Sussex Probation Service has shown interest in the project suggesting that their clients could be used as part of a work exchange programme. After the pilot phase Friends First will aim to secure funding from several key grant making trusts in order to employ a full time skilled worker.