Borough of Broxbourne Council is introducing a new financial incentive programme aimed at increasing landlord and letting agent participation in its Simple Lets scheme, as local authorities continue to seek solutions to housing supply constraints.
The pilot initiative, set to launch on 1 May 2026, will offer a series of cash payments to property owners and agents who bring homes into the scheme. The programme will run for one year or until its funding allocation is fully utilised.
The scheme applies to properties of all sizes and is open to landlords operating both within and outside the Borough of Broxbourne, in a move intended to widen access to available rental housing.
Under the incentive structure, new landlords joining Simple Lets will receive £750, while new property owners will be eligible for £1,000. Additional payments include a £300 referral incentive and £400 for existing Simple Lets properties that are re-let within the programme.
The Simple Lets scheme has been set up to make the entire process of letting properties more streamlined, effective, and efficient. The scheme assists Broxbourne property owners via methods such as Council payment for the deposit and the first month’s rent in advance, free assured shorthold tenancies, and accompanied viewings.
Alongside financial incentives, the scheme offers a package of administrative and compliance support. This includes help with right to rent checks, property inspections, and tenancy support where required—measures designed to reduce the operational burden on landlords and improve tenancy stability.
The council also maintains ongoing engagement with the private rental sector through its Landlords’ Forum, held every six months in April and October. The forum provides private landlords and letting agents with updates on legislative changes, as well as access to guidance from guest speakers and opportunities to discuss housing-related issues directly with council representatives.
The introduction of the incentive scheme reflects a broader trend among UK local authorities to partner more closely with private landlords in order to meet housing demand. By combining financial support with practical services, councils are seeking to make participation in such programmes more attractive, while ensuring that tenants can access suitable accommodation more quickly.
Broxbourne Council’s latest initiative signals a continued focus on improving access to private rented housing through targeted incentives, at a time when demand for affordable accommodation remains high across many parts of the country.
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