Last updated: August 2026
These Scheme Terms & Conditions provide additional information about the services described on the Help2Let website. They explain how the Private Sector Leasing (PSL) Scheme and the Private Rental Sector Offer (PRSO) operate and should be read alongside any formal lease agreement, tenancy agreement or other documentation provided before a property joins either scheme. Where there is any difference between the information published on this website and the relevant signed agreement, the signed agreement will take precedence.
Help2Let is a not-for-profit lettings service delivered by the London Borough of Harrow. We work with landlords to provide a more supported way to let their property while helping local households access safe and stable accommodation.
Help2Let currently operates in the following areas:
Private Sector Leasing (PSL): Properties within approximately 35 miles of the London Borough of Harrow.
Private Rental Sector Offer (PRSO): Properties within approximately 150 miles of the London Borough of Harrow.
Properties located on the Isle of Wight are not currently eligible.
Our operating areas may be reviewed from time to time.
Before a property can join either scheme, it must meet the required property standards. This includes:
Self-contained accommodation
A valid Gas Safety Certificate
A valid Electrical Safety Certificate (EICR)
A suitable Energy Performance Certificate (EPC) — a rating of D or above is required for the Private Sector Leasing Scheme
Smoke detectors fitted where required
Window restrictors where necessary
Compliance with applicable housing and safety legislation
Every property is inspected before acceptance into the scheme. Where improvements are required, the Help2Let team will explain these clearly and guide you through the process.
Acceptance into either scheme is subject to:
Property inspection
Meeting the required property standards
Scheme eligibility
Completion of the relevant lease or tenancy documentation
Submitting an enquiry does not automatically guarantee acceptance into either scheme.
Under the Private Sector Leasing Scheme:
The lease agreement is between you and the London Borough of Harrow.
The Council becomes your tenant for the duration of the lease.
Help2Let manages the property and the household living there.
Rent is paid quarterly in advance directly into your nominated bank account.
The standard lease term is 2 years. Longer lease periods — up to a maximum of five years — may be available where improvement grants or incentive payments apply, subject to eligibility and approval.
After the initial term, the lease normally continues on the same terms until either you or Help2Let gives the required written notice (commonly six months).
Properties should be provided unfurnished. Items left in the property that are not required may be treated as a gift to the tenant and will not be compensated.
Payments continue in accordance with the signed lease agreement.
Under the Private Sector Leasing Scheme, landlords are exempt from licensing fees where the applicable council arrangement provides for this.
Where this website refers to Guaranteed Rent, this applies only to properties that have been accepted into the Private Sector Leasing (PSL) Scheme and are covered by a signed lease agreement. Guaranteed Rent means lease payments continue in accordance with the lease agreement, including where the property is temporarily empty or the household’s circumstances change, subject to the terms of the lease.
Under the Private Rental Sector Offer:
You remain the landlord.
The tenancy agreement is between you and your tenant.
Help2Let supports you with finding suitable tenants and helping the tenancy get started.
We provide you with thoroughly vetted tenants who you get to meet.
We support the placement with financial assistance where available.
Financial assistance may include:
Rent deposit support
Rent paid in advance
Rent top-up
Rent bond support
Incentive payments
Rent top-up, rent bond or incentive support is limited to the first 12 months, subject to eligibility and approval. Financial assistance is subject to eligibility, property suitability, available funding and approval by Help2Let. Availability may vary depending on individual circumstances and the scheme being offered. Financial assistance and incentive payments may be amended or withdrawn where scheme criteria are no longer met or funding is no longer available.
Help2Let does not charge landlords administration, management or commission fees for participating in either scheme. However, landlords remain responsible for the legal responsibilities that normally apply to property owners. Depending on the scheme, this may include:
Repairs and maintenance
Compliance works
Safety certificates
Improvements required before acceptance into the scheme
Other statutory landlord obligations
Further information is available within the FAQs for each scheme.
Under the Private Rental Sector Offer, Help2Let may, where applicable, provide support towards a tenant’s deposit and rent in advance. Support is subject to eligibility, approval and available funding.
Properties are inspected before joining the scheme and regular inspections may be carried out during the lease where applicable. These inspections help ensure the property continues to meet the required standards and allow any issues to be identified early.
At the end of the lease:
Vacant possession is provided and the property is returned to you.
A joint hand-back inspection is carried out.
The property is expected to be returned in reasonable condition, allowing for fair wear and tear.
Where damage is clearly due to tenant negligence or wilful action, a process is followed to assess and agree appropriate action.
The information published on this website is intended to provide a general overview of the Help2Let schemes. Specific lease terms, tenancy arrangements, payments, responsibilities and available financial support will be confirmed during the application process and within the relevant signed agreements.
These Scheme Terms & Conditions may be updated from time to time to reflect changes in legislation, council policy, funding arrangements or scheme operation. The latest version will always be published on the Help2Let website. If you have any questions about either scheme, please contact the Help2Let team before making your application.
Contact Help2Let
020 8424 1605
London Borough of Harrow, PO Box 1358, Harrow HA3 3QN