Landlords thinking of letting your property but are not sure where to begin? Whether you’re a first-time landlord or managing a small portfolio, this guide explains the process of working with Switch Housing. From tenant sourcing to maintenance, we’ll walk you through how our approach simplifies property letting.
How does partnering with Switch Housing benefit landlords?
When you partner with Switch Housing, you get more than just a tenant you gain a full property management service and peace of mind. We offer guaranteed rent for up to two years, paid even if the property is empty or a tenant falls behind*. Depending on the model of rental you choose, our team can handle tenant sourcing, rent collection, inspections, and all the day-to-day responsibilities. It’s a hassle-free experience that also supports local families in need of stable housing.
How we source tenants
We work in partnership with local councils and housing associations to match households with suitable properties.
Our full property management service
Our property management service covers everything you’d expect but with a few added benefits:
- Marketing and listing your property
- Tenant communication and support
- Rent collection and arrears handling
- Legal documents and compliance
- Routine property inspections and reports
This is ideal if you want to let your property without taking on a second job managing it.
How maintenance works
Maintenance is shared between the landlord and Switch Housing. We hold a maintenance bond, which we use to cover common, low-cost repairs like minor plumbing issues or appliance faults.
For larger repairs, we’ll work with you to arrange access and quotations. Our goal is to keep the property in good condition while reducing your day-to-day workload.
What types of properties are accepted?
We work with most standard residential properties, from one-bedroom flats to four-bedroom houses. The property must be in good condition and meet standard safety and compliance requirements, including:
- EICR (electrical safety certificate)
- Gas safety certificate
- EPC (minimum rating E)
- Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms
We may also accept HMOs if they are licensed and meet local standards.
How and when rent is paid
Rent is paid by BACS bank transfer, directly into your account each week or each month. Payment dates are set out clearly at the start of the agreement. Dependant on the model you choose, rent will either be paid directly from a local authority or via Switch. For both models you receive rent even during void periods or when tenants are behind.
This system is designed to give landlords a stable, low-risk income stream.
How long does the process take?
Once all documents are in place and the property passes our compliance checks, the onboarding process is usually straightforward.
We market the property and match it with a suitable household, often referred directly by a council partner. In many cases, a property can be let within 4–6 weeks.
Thanks to our council partnerships, we’re often faster than traditional letting routes.
What documents will I need?
Before we can let your property, we’ll need the following:
- EICR (electrical inspection within the last 5 years)
- Gas safety certificate (updated annually)
- EPC (minimum rating of E)
- Fire safety and emergency lighting documentation (if required)
- Asbestos report (for buildings built before 2000)
- Photos of working smoke and CO alarms
- Fit and Proper Person form (for HMOs)
Who pays the bills?
Tenants are responsible for their own utilities and Council Tax while the property is occupied. You only pay Council Tax during void periods, which are minimal under our scheme.
Interested in letting your property with Switch Housing?
Our model is ideal for landlords who want to reduce risk, save time, and benefit from full-service management. If you’re exploring your options or simply want to understand how our programme works, we’re happy to help.
Contact Mikey Grewal on mikey.grewal@swhm.co.uk
*Capped at 3 months
