Private Sector Lease Scheme (PSL)

A safe, low‑risk way to lease your property with a guaranteed income. 

Colchester Borough Homes (CBH), on behalf of Colchester City Council (CCC), leases private properties, for use as Temporary Accommodation. This provides accommodation for households who are waiting for permanent housing — while offering landlords a secure, hands‑off arrangement. 

Key Benefits 

• 100% guaranteed rent 

• 3‑ or 5‑year low‑risk lease 

• Full tenancy management by Colchester Borough Homes 

• Landlords retain responsibility for specified repairs and certificates 

• Property returned in the same condition at the end of the Lease, allowing for fair wear and tear

   

How to Apply 

If you have a suitable property, please complete the Application Form and email to: 

cbh.accommodationteam@cbhomes.org.uk 

Or phone the Accommodation Team for more information 
01206 580291 

The Application Process: 

The Accommodation Team will: 

• Arrange for an inspection of your property to ensure that it is: 

• A property that is suitable for the PSL Scheme 

• That the property meets our minimum standards 

• You satisfy the ‘Fit and Proper Person’ test based on the one contained in the Housing Act 2004. 

• CCC reserves the right to review the ‘Fit and Property Person’ status of any person or organisation accepted onto the PSL Scheme at any time and if a person or organisation is not a ‘Fit and Proper Person’ they will no longer satisfy the requirements of the PSL Scheme and the Council is likely to bring the Leasehold Agreement to an end.

   

PSL Scheme FAQs 

What properties are needed? 
2‑, 3‑, and 4‑bedroom homes in Colchester. 

What if the tenant does not pay the Council? 
Your rent remains fully guaranteed. 

Who manages the property? 
The Accommodation Team manages everything on your behalf. 

How much rent will I receive? 
Rent is agreed and paid monthly in advance. 

Who is responsible for repairs? 
Landlord responsibilities are set out in the lease; all other repairs are managed by CBH. 

The HomeStep Scheme

The Homestep Scheme has been developed to assist Landlords to find reliable, financially approved tenants — quickly and easily. 

The Homestep Scheme removes the stress of searching for suitable applicants. We only put forward clients who had a financial assessment completed to ensure they can afford your advertised rent. 

You will have the choice of who you’d like to offer a tenancy to. The scheme supports individuals who have approached us for help with securing accommodation in the private rented sector. 

Eligibility 

Clients must: 

• Have a Homeless Application 

• Pass a Financial Assessment 

The scheme is open to landlords with houses, bungalows, or flats in Colchester and the surrounding areas — whether self‑managed or agent‑managed. 

What We Pay 

• One month’s rent in advance 

• Up to five weeks’ damage deposit 

• Goodwill Payment: 

• Studio: £500 

• 1‑bedroom: £750 

• 2‑bedroom: £1,000 

• 3–4 bedroom: £1,500 
• Terms & Conditions apply and the above payments are only made on the completion of a satisfactory property inspection and receipt of all the required paperwork.
   

How to Apply 

If you have a property you are looking to rent out, please contact the Accommodation Team on : 

cbh.accommodationteam@cbhomes.org.uk 
01206 580291