We're here to make things fair for both landlords and tenants in the private sector. We understand landlords' worries, such as:

• rental reform and changes to the rental market
• tax changes
• rising interest rates
• current housing market

Our landlords don't pay management, administration, renewal, legal, or possession fees. We also cover rent during times when the property is empty, even for our HMO properties, cover the cost of minor maintenance, and gas safety certificates while the property is rented.

Providing secure, affordable homes for those who need them most is what we do. We take care of any issues that may arise, sparing landlords the worry and expense of needing to pay the upfront cost of anything that might go wrong. 

We can help with HMO conversion and arrange upfront works, to ensure the property is fully compliant for the privately-rented market. 

We lease your property for 3 years, with a 12-month break clause, on a full-management basis. During this time, we take care of everything, which includes:

• collecting rent
• maintenance
• arranging compliance and safety checks
• inventory reports
• check-out reports
• legal fees relating to repossession costs.

We pay rent directly to landlords and collect it from tenants, so if a tenant is behind on rent, our landlords aren’t affected. There are no hidden fees, so you'll always have a stable income.

We do take on properties outside of the district if they are suitable for the scheme. This is assessed on an individual basis.

7 Simple Steps to Renting Out Your Property

Step 1 - Property check

We'll talk about your property's condition, type, and location, then set up a time to see it. We can talk about our lease terms, and the rent we can offer, which will be in line with the Cambridge Local Housing Allowance Rates.

Step 2 – Getting ready to rent

To rent your property with us, complete any works identified during the inspection, complete an application form and send the requested documents over. We require proof of ownership and buildings insurance before we proceed.

Step 3 – Final check

Once this has been done, we'll come for a final inspection. We'll take some photos to document the condition, which will be part of your schedule of condition with Shire Homes.

Step 4 – Signing the lease

After the final checks and we have all your documents, we'll send you the lease. Before signing, we advise seeking your own legal advice.

Step 5 – Handing over keys

Once the final check is done, we'll meet you at the property to pick up the keys. We need 3 sets for doors and one for window locks. Keeping an extra set for yourself too is a good idea.

Step 6 – Getting paid

You'll start getting rent once the lease is signed, before the first of the next month. Rent payments are made in advance.

Step 7 – Management

Once the lease is signed, Shire Homes takes full responsibility for managing the property. We'll only reach out if there are major issues.

If you would like to receive a copy of our Landlord Information Pack please email shire.homes@scambs.gov.uk.

We provide this service to assist tenants who aren’t able to access the private rental market for a variety of reasons.

We help tenants who have:

• struggled to find homes in the private rental market
• have no guarantor
• no (or low) deposit
• no references
• in need of housing

Our tenants often would not pass affordability checks, or have been refused accommodation due to being in receipt of some form of benefits or universal credit.

These barriers not only marginalise large portions of private-renters, but mean that suitable accommodation goes unoccupied for lengths of time, as many can’t pass vigorous referencing checks.

We have a statutory duty to prevent homelessness. There are many individuals and families in housing need who are placed in temporary accommodation, which is not sustainable. Our aim is to improve accessibility to secure, affordable housing in Cambridgeshire, by providing access to privately-rented accommodation through our scheme.

Empty properties

We are doing our best to bring empty homes across the district back into use. We have contacted the owners of over 500 self-declared empty properties to find out how we can assist to make these properties habitable.

If you are interested in letting your property to Ukrainian guests, please visit our Homes for Ukraine webpage for more information. 

Generally, we let properties unfurnished but with floor coverings. We prefer no furniture to be included, due to fire risks, for example. We are happy for integrated white goods to remain in the property, although these will need to pass an electrical check, and be in good working order. On occasion, furniture could be gifted to the tenant, if they have very little of their own, but it is then their responsibility to maintain the furniture.

Tenants

Our private sector leasing scheme is a full-management service, our tenants are selected deemed on the urgency of their housing need and suitability for the property. We allocates tenant(s) to the properties rented through the scheme. In the privately rented sector, all tenants have to be given a minimum of a 6-month tenancy.

Property maintenance 

You do not need to pay for the maintenance of the property. 

You will need to have all the standard Landlord compliance checks. The property will need:

• a landlord gas safety certificate (if applicable)
• satisfactory Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR)
• Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

If your property is going to be let as a House of Multiple Occupation (HMO) you may need to obtain a licence from the Local Authority. As of 1 October 2022, all rented properties are also required to have Carbon Monoxide alarms in all rooms that have a fuel burning appliance (except gas cookers), and on every storey of a rented property where a room is used for living accommodation.

Under the terms of the lease, Shire Homes is responsible, therefore any bad debt or damages are covered by us, and the costs recovered from the tenants. We carry out regular property visits to ensure this. Our landlords are guaranteed to receive rent on time, and you will always get your property back exactly how you left it, minus general wear and tear.

Leases

If you own your property outright, you will not need to take out a Buy-to-Let mortgage to let through Shire Homes. If there is a mortgage outstanding on your property, you will need to check with your mortgage provider if you need to change to a Buy-to-Let mortgage product.

Our lease agreements include a 12-month break clause, which means you can have full vacant possession for any reason after the initial 12-month period ends.

All of our leases are for 3-year terms, therefore you could choose to rent your property for 3-, 6- or 9-years, and so on. You could just lease your property for 12-months, but you will initially sign a 3-year lease and then instigate the break clause at 12-months.

Louise Moulding - Shire Homes Lettings Manager

Email: louise.moulding@scambs.gov.uk
Phone: 01954 713361

I have worked at South Cambridgeshire District Council for over 25 years within a variety of housing related roles. My experience led me to the housing advice and options team. I have been the Lettings Manager of Shire Homes since it was formed as a property management service to assist the Housing and Homelessness team in 2017.

Helen Smith - Shire Homes Lettings Administrator

Email: helen.smith@scambs.gov.uk
Phone: 01954 713 371

I started at Shire Homes in March 2019. My role in the team is to support Louise, the Lettings manager, general lettings administration work and conducting routine visits on the properties managed by us.

I’ve always worked in Housing within South Cambridgeshire District Council, starting out as an Apprentice and then moving into Shire Homes, once my Apprenticeship was completed.

Hayley Schofield  - Single Person’s Housing Advice and Accommodation Officer

Email: hayley.schofield@scambs.gov.uk
Phone: 01954 713 372

I joined Shire Homes in December 2021, looking after a portfolio of HMO properties used to house single people who share communal areas. My role is incredibly varied, it includes overseeing tenancy changeovers and renewals, and arranging routine and emergency maintenance issues. I also ensure that our properties meet safety standards and advise our tenants on housing options, benefits and their general wellbeing.

Kai Burley - Marketing and Leasing Admin Officer

Email: kai.burley@scambs.gov.uk
Phone: 01954 713 657

I am the maternity cover for Carmela De Simone for 2025 to 2026. My role in the team is to market our Private Sector Leasing Scheme and deal with initial enquiries from Landlords that are interested in leasing their property through our service.

If you’re here because you’re a company or Landlord who is interested in partnering with us, letting through us or have any general questions, please don’t hesitate to contact me for an informal chat.