Local Authorities / Legal

Framework Document for Use with Local Authorities

Summary

The RSL needs a clear idea of the basis on which the arrangement with the LA will operate and a legal framework document will set out the basis of the arrangement. This should be in place for as long as the arrangement continues. Added to this there needs to be separate service level agreements which can be renegotiated on a regular basis say every 12 months that set out the details with regard to voids etc.
 
If the RSL has an arrangement with more than one LA then there will need to be a framework document together with the service level agreements with each LA.       

Further Information

The framework document between the RSL and the local authority should set up the agreement together with the aims of the arrangement. Data protection issues and the period of time for which the agreement is operative will be addressed in this document. It will also set out what happens to the tenants at the end of the lease.

The service level agreements will set out the responsibility together with the risk that each Partner will bear for each of the following:

• The location, type and standard of properties together with the responsibility for identifying the properties.
• Void periods
• Nominations
• Housing Benefit arrangements
• Tenancy Management
• Re-housing
• Rent levels
• Arrears

Downloads

An extract from the ‘Temporary Housing – A Good Practice Guide’ by Tony Manzi and Bill Smith-Blowers with Claire Asibong, Tim Taylor and Peter Taunton for the Chartered Institute of Housing and the Housing Corporation can be downloaded here.

The Chartered Institute of Housing - ‘Ways and Means - Local Authorities’ Work with the Private Rented Sector’

External Links

Audit Commission - For Key Lines of Enquiry (KLOE)