Tenant Matching Scheme - information for landlords

Our Tenant Matching Scheme matches tenants with accredited landlords. It ensures safe and secure housing for the tenant, and provides a vetted tenant for the landlord.

Benefits for landlords

• The service is completely free, with no finder's fee or commission
• Landlords retain full control over their property and can set the rent at market rate
• Potential tenants undergo income assessments and full background checks
• Landlords receive free advertising of their property on our website
• Support with paperwork is provided
• Landlords receive support, advice, and signposting to reduce disagreements between landlords and tenants
• There is no obligation to take a tenant if the landlord is not interested

Requirements from landlords

• Landlords must be accredited by Sunderland City Council. Once accredited, landlords will receive a certificate as confirmation
• The property must be free from category one hazards under the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHSRS)
• The property must be of good decorative standard
• The property must be safe and secure, with smoke alarms, carbon monoxide alarms, and adequate locking to doors and windows
• Landlords need to provide a copy of an Electrical Installation Condition Report (EICR), CP12 (Gas Safety Certificate), building insurance, and a valid Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)

The process

• Once accredited, landlords can be matched with a tenant from the council's vetted register
• Vetted tenants can choose to use the council's Tenant Deposit Guarantee Scheme or provide a cash deposit
• Landlords can chose between tenants who are using their own deposit or using the Tenant Deposit Guarantee Scheme

Tenant Deposit Guarantee Scheme

• If tenants pass the vetting process, including tenancy training, they are eligible for a deposit guarantee of up to £750 for a private rented tenancy in the Sunderland City Council area
• We will carry out a full photographic inventory at the start of the tenancy
• The deposit guarantee lasts for 24 months and tenants are referred to a specific savings account to encourage them to save towards their own deposit
• By the end of the 24 month period the tenant should be able to replace the £750 bond with a cash deposit
• If landlords accept a tenant using the Deposit Guarantee Scheme, they will receive a £100 voucher for a local DIY store

Next steps

If you would like to be matched with a vetted tenant through this scheme, the first step is to get your property/properties accredited. To do this, please complete the Sunderland Accredited Landlord and Leasing Application form and we'll be in touch with you soon.

If you are already an accredited landlord and would like to be matched with a tenant, or have any queries, please email us at privatesectorhousing@sunderland.gov.uk.