‘Keeping House’ is Enfield Council’s innovative scheme for property owners living in long term residential care.
For people moving into long-term care, the cost, time, and effort needed to maintain an empty property can prove challenging. Properties often remain unoccupied for lengthy periods, falling into disrepair and can attract anti-social behaviour.
Under this scheme homes can be leased to the council for a fixed period of time (five years) and provide guaranteed rental income to help fund the cost of care. These houses can then provide a much needed home for those families in housing need.
The scheme is fully managed by the council reassuring homeowners and their families that once a lease period is agreed, rent will be paid regardless of whether the property is occupied or not. At the end of the lease period the property is returned to the owner or alternatively the lease can be extended.
Cllr Don McGowan, Enfield Council’s Cabinet Member for Adult Social Care, said, “Throughout the period owners have peace of mind that their property is secure and well maintained and the regular rental income helps them to retain their savings. This is a solution for the property owners, the council and those in greatest housing need.”
Flats, maisonettes, bungalows, houses with one, two, three bedrooms or larger are considered for the scheme and for property needing some repairs grants are available.
To find out more download the ‘Keeping House Scheme’ leaflet from the council’s website at www.enfield.gov.uk. It gives full details about eligibility, grant funding for renovation work, and advice. Property owners can register their interest by email: adultsocialcare@enfield.gov.uk or call 020 8379 1001.