Useful Links
Below are direct links to web sites that you may find useful either now or in the future.
Tenancy Agreements and Deposit Information:
Tenancy Agreements can be downloaded direct from www.lawpack.co.uk, excellent website for information and advice.
The Deposit Protection Scheme: www.depositprotection.com
This is the only government endorsed deposit protection scheme that is free.
Housing Benefit/Local Housing Allowance and Milton Keynes Credit Union:
Are you in receipt of Housing Benefit/Local Housing Allowance?
Are you also a tenant searching for a private landlord in Milton Keynes?
OR
Are you a private landlord who doesn't accept tenants on Housing Benefit/LHA?
Did you know that there is a scheme called The LHA Scheme operated by Milton Keynes Credit Union?
Under the scheme, Milton Keynes Credit Union (which is a local financial co-operative) collects Local Housing Allowance on behalf of tenants and pays it direct to landlords. This means that Local Housing Allowance does not get mixed in with other funds and is only used for the purpose of paying rent.
The benefit for both tenant + landlord is that rent payments are guaranteed so the scheme helps to ensure the security of the tenancy for both parties.
There is no charge to the tenant for using the scheme, the cost of the scheme is paid by the landlord via a nominal fee for each LHA payment made direct to the landlord.
The LHA Scheme Click here if you would like more detailed information on how the scheme works.
Or if you would like to join the scheme or for more info, please contact:
Terry Calvert, Development Officer at Milton Keynes Credit Union
Tel: 01908 525086 Email: enquiries@mkcreditunion.org.uk visit: www.mkcreditunion.org.uk
Housing Benefit/Local Housing Allowance Information
Click on the link above to take you direct to Housing Benefit/LHA information on the government's Directgov website. Provides guidance on who is eligible for housing benefit, which is also known as Local Housing Allowance [LHA] for tenants of private landlords.
- If you rent from a private landlord, you may qualify for local Housing Benefit/LHA if you are on a lower income.
- Equally if you're a landlord who wishes to find out about how Local Housing Allowance/Housing Benefit works, this useful information will help to guide you.
Energy Efficiency Certificates information
Click here to know more about Energy Efficiency Certificates. It is a legal requirement for private landlords to provide tenants with an EEC on request.
Local Landlord + Tenant Services: Quote 'Houseflys' for Discounts
Visit our 'Special Discounts' page for local suppliers who are offering discounts for Houseflys customers.
Links to Housing Advice Services:
Shelter: 0800 808 4444
Freephone Mon-Fri 8am-8pm Sat-Sun 8am-5pm
www.shelter.org.uk
The national charity, Shelter, provides a free housing advice line for tenants and landlords. They have an excellent website, with a free Tenancy Checker to enable you to check the type of tenancy you are on.
In Milton Keynes, visit Shelter's Housing Aid Centre - [Above Icelands,The Food Centre] - 793 Avebury Boulevard, Milton Keynes, MK9 3JT Tel: 0844 515 1876 Opening Times: 9.00 -5.00pm Mon to Friday.
Drop In or Appointments can be made daily to see a Housing Aid Adviser. Whether you are a tenant or a landlord, you can receive sound advice, guidance and representation [depending on circumstances] for free.
Citizens Advice Bureau:
www.citizensadvice.org.uk
With over 25 CAB offices in Bucks, access has never been easier. Check out the website for details for your nearest CAB or download advice direct from their website.
Connexions Direct:
Web: www.connexionsbucks.org.uk
Email: aylesbury@connexionsbucks.org.uk
T: 0845 2171366 or 0845 217368
Email: highwycombe@connexionsbucks.org.uk
Web: www.connexionsmk.com
Email: connexionsmk@propspects.com
T: 01908 398300
Colour website with information and advice for young people. Local Bucks Connexions offices detailed above. Main website: www.connexions-direct.com
Housing Departments at:
Aylesbury Vale District Council: www.aylesburyvaledc.gov.uk
Chiltern District Council: www.chiltern.gov.uk
Milton Keynes Council: www.milton-keynes.gov.uk
Wycombe District Council: www.wycombe.gov.uk
South Bucks District Council: www.southbucks.gov.uk
Contact your local district council if you need to claim housing benefit to help with your rent payments. Some of the councils have excellent booklets for landlords and tenants to download direct.