Extra support for landlords is available from Stroud District Council, so that tenants threatened with homelessness can get a more secure roof over their heads.

Stroud District Council has received a share of a countywide fund of £363,408 to help residential landlords secure tenants.

Landlords in the district can find out more about the new Tenancy Support Package and hear a guest speaker from the Mydeposits scheme at a landlord forum event at Forest Green Rovers on Wednesday 2nd October.

The Tenancy Support Package aims to support landlords who accept tenants who have been threatened with homelessness.

Phil Bishop, Stroud District Council's housing advice manager, said: "We helped 52 households find private rented accommodation last year, with a 90% success rate. We offer a high level of support for both landlords and tenants, and the new funding means that we are able to offer even more benefits."

Landlords who sign up to the free-of-charge Tenancy Support Package will receive a month's rent in advance and cash deposit paid by SDC. A member of the Housing Advice team will carry out regular tenancy checks, and property inspections if requested. Landlords will also receive a 12 month membership to the National Landlord Association.

One residential landlord whose tenant was arranged by SDC said "The scheme works so well because it provides support to the landlord as well as the tenant. The communication from my case worker is nothing short of amazing."

Cllr Chas Townley, Stroud District Council's chair of Housing Committee said: "There is a severe and growing shortage of council and housing association homes in the district, with 3,663 households registered on the council's housing. After four years of Housing Benefit being frozen by government, the supply of private tenancies available to people in housing need is severely limited. I'm delighted that our Housing Advice team is able to offer these extra incentives to encourage the private landlords to help housing tenants in need."

The event will take place at Forest Green Rovers, Nailsworth on 2nd October from 10am until 12pm. Brunch will be provided. To reserve a place please email homelessness.prevention@stroud.gov.uk  or call 01453 754078.