Rent Choice scheme: information for landlords

Information for private landlords considering tenants eligible for the Rent Choice scheme.

During a tenancy and renewing a deposit bond

The Council will complete a property inspection within the first 6 weeks of the tenancy for properties located close to the borough of Surrey Heath for our own records.  We do this to check people have settled in well and are not experiencing any initial issues. 

We will also carry out a property inspection as part of the Deposit Bond renewal process.  If any issues are identified at these property inspections, they will be raised with the tenant and advice given on how to remedy them.  We do not compare the property to the original inventory at these visits. 

Landlords are encouraged to engage with their tenants during the course of the tenancy to resolve any issues as they develop.  Advice can also be sought from the Housing Team if the landlord is unsure what course of action to pursue.  The Council also encourages landlords to complete their own scheduled inspections for their own records.

Renewing a deposit bond

The deposit bond is usually issued for a period of 12 months, sometimes less if agreed in advance.  Approximately six weeks before the expiry of the deposit bond, the Council will write to the landlord asking for additional information to allow the renewal to take place. 

The deposit bond is only renewed if agreed by all parties. It is the responsibility of the landlord to request the renewal.