Case studies
Accommodation secured in Hertfordshire following care home closure.
EHSL was approached by Hertfordshire County Council to source accommodation for two people who were due to leave a residential care home that was closing down. A property was identified and leased after it was viewed by a number of stakeholders. Rent was agreed by the local authority and subsequently awarded by Housing Benefit.
The brief received was very specific. The two tenants required ground floor accommodation and space for an overnight carer, in a location with access to their day centre and close to the area they were familiar with. They needed to move within 4 weeks.
EHSL contacted a number of local letting agents we had worked with before, and quickly established that there were very few suitable properties available to rent. The sales market was stronger but due to the tight deadline, it wasn’t viable to arrange for a property to be purchased.
EHSL was made aware of an off-market property which hadn’t yet been advertised, and shortly after, viewings were arranged for the prospective tenants, their social workers, their new care provider and their family members. Once it was established that the property would meet their needs, a proposal was made to the landlord via their letting agent. Agreement was reached on a medium-term lease to provide the best security of tenure possible.
The property was secured a week before the deadline, allowing time to upgrade the electrical installation, arrange for furniture to be delivered, improve the fire alarm system and make some minor adaptations.
Mental Capacity assessments were completed in respect of the decision to enter a tenancy agreement, and appropriate arrangements were made prior to the start of tenancies. The proposed rent was discussed with the local authority who confirmed that it was reasonable for the services and accommodation provided, and that it complied with their requirements. Housing Benefit agreed and promptly awarded Housing Benefit once claims were made.
The two tenants moved in before the deadline and have settled happily into their new accommodation.
If you require supported housing accommodation, EHSL may be able to assist.