WAYS TO ENGAGE

HOMEOWNERS

We welcome homeowners as part of Just Homes. You may be in any of the following situations.

• Going abroad for a period of time and wanting to let your home
• Moving elsewhere to rent or buy and not wanting to sell your house at present
• Having a spare room or rooms in your home which you would prefer to use through our Just Hosting programme

PROCESS

After you have contacted us we would come to your home to see the home/room(s) and discuss any issues such as:

• what you need as a rental payment for instance to cover mortgage and other outgoings or to provide a certain level of income
• what type of tenants you would be happy with i.e. single or family, male or female, particularly if this is a room in your house with you.
• The way in which Just Homes would manage your property

CONTRACT

Many homeowners have provisions in their mortgage agreement restricting their ability to let their property. We have developed model agreements which will satisfy most mortgage companies.

In general Just Homes would take a short lease on a property. This would give you a guaranteed income over the appropriate period. In certain circumstances it may be better to enter into a management agreement where your income would depend on the tenant’s rent and period of occupation.

just hosting

An under-used spare room becomes a safe haven in the midst of the storm. A seldom-opened sofa-bed in the lounge takes on another dimension as an emergency bunk for an eight-months-pregnant woman who would otherwise take her chances on a park bench in November. Your kitchen becomes a bustling place where an exhausted couple find warmth, encouragement and a bit of dignity.

For many, the thought of having a total stranger sharing the house can be quite daunting. Though there will always be cultural misunderstandings (they can be very amusing!) and other problems, these are usually far outweighed by the positives. Some have formed friendships that have continued long after the guest has moved on.

BECOMING A HOST

• Hosts are part of a network that provides guidance & support.
• Hosts are checked for their suitability & matched with appropriate guests.

The amount of time a guest is hosted for depends on the what the host can offer. One or two nights in an emergency. A week on/week off arrangement as part of a host partnership. Fixed term or open-ended. Every host has something different to add to the mix.

Hosts & guests agree the ground-rules for a placement in advance. The guest might need to leave in the morning when the host does & return at a set time for an evening meal, or perhaps the guest stays in the home during the day. The guest might prepare meals independently, or take turns cooking the main meal, help out with household jobs…

To find out more about Just Hosting please contact the Just Homes Office.