13. Renovating Empty Private Properties for Renting Out
13.1 Lead Tenancies Scheme
The Lead Tenancies Scheme was launched by Scottish Homes in 1994 and is designed to bring suitable empty properties back into good condition and residential use. The scheme offers what can be a sizeable renovation grant and works like this:
• a private landlord lets a property to a registered housing association (the 'lead tenant')
• Communities Scotland gives grant of up to £22,000, depending on how many years the landlord is willing to lease to the lead tenant (the grant is worth £1,100 a year to the owner for every year of the lease granted up to a maximum of 20 years)
• the housing association then sub-lets the renovated house or flat to an applicant on their waiting list on a Short Scottish Secure Tenancy (of six months' duration but renewable) at an affordable cost
• the lead tenant (the housing association) remains legally responsible, however, for the regular payment of rent to the property owner and the proper management and maintenance of the house and its return in good condition at the lease expiry date.
A guidance leaflet is available from your local Communities Scotland Regional Office.
