Council initiative targets vacant homes in Exeter

Exeter City Council is urging landlords with empty properties to participate in its Housing Access Together scheme, a council-backed programme designed to bring vacant homes back into use efficiently and at no cost to landlords. Since its launch in 2019, the scheme has connected landlords with households seeking private rented accommodation, offering a fully funded route to securing tenants for properties of any size.

The council highlights that landlords who want to avoid letting agent charges and reduce void periods should consider this option. By working directly with the council, landlords can benefit from a streamlined process that includes tenant matching, financial incentives, and regulatory support.

Long-term tenancy focus with financial incentives

The Housing Access Together scheme prioritises long-term arrangements that meet the needs of both landlords and tenants. Landlords receive up-front cash incentives as part of the scheme, which helps to offset initial costs and encourages participation.

Additionally, deposits and rent in advance are processed promptly, minimising the time properties remain vacant. Each prospective tenant undergoes suitability and affordability checks to ensure a good match with the property, reducing the risk of tenancy issues.

Comprehensive support including regulatory compliance

Landlords participating in the scheme retain full control over their properties and have the final say on whether to grant a tenancy. The council undertakes Right to Rent checks and provides tenancy agreements where required, ensuring compliance with legal obligations.

Ongoing support is available throughout the tenancy to address any issues that may arise, offering landlords peace of mind and assistance with their regulatory duties. This support can be particularly valuable for landlords unfamiliar with the administrative requirements of letting.

What this means for landlords

For landlords in Exeter with vacant properties, the Housing Access Together scheme presents an opportunity to fill homes quickly without incurring letting agent fees. The financial incentives and administrative support reduce the burden of letting, while the council’s tenant matching process helps secure reliable tenants.

Engaging with this scheme can help landlords minimise void periods and ensure regulatory compliance, making it a practical option for those seeking a straightforward letting experience. More information is available on Exeter City Council’s Housing Access Together webpage.

Further details and contact

Landlords interested in the scheme can find more information and register their interest via the council’s dedicated webpage. The scheme remains open to all property sizes and continues to be promoted as a valuable resource for addressing Exeter’s housing needs.

Suggested internal link anchors
– vacant properties
– Housing Access Together scheme
– tenant matching
– financial incentives for landlords
– Right to Rent checks
– tenancy agreements
– regulatory compliance
– reducing void periods
– landlord support services
– private rented accommodation
– council-backed landlord schemes
– tenancy management assistance

TLA update
TLA is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026, featuring verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. We are inviting legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers to register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/