Central Suffolk Lettings: Letting Services

The Renters' Rights Bill (RRB) is expected to come into force in 2025, and landlords should start preparing for the changes it brings. We can offer advice and guidance about the Renters Rights Bill for all private landlords.

The new Renters' Rights Bill introduces the most significant changes to the private rented sector in nearly four decades. It establishes a host of reforms such as:

A new standard tenancy for private renting
A Decent Homes Standard and new rules on responding to hazards
Changes to advertising and letting practices
Limits on when and how much rent can be taken in advance
The removal of Section 21 notices for possession
Changes to Section 8 grounds for possession
Changes to rent increases
A new private rented sector database and Ombudsman that landlords must sign up to
New offences and civil penalties for landlords who don't comply with these rules

For further guidance please read the Guide to the Renters' Rights Bill

If you would like to discuss what these changes mean to you please contact Central Suffolk Lettings using the contact details below.

for information on how the Renters' Rights Bill will affect private rented tenants, please read the Renters Rights Bill: private tenants or contact Central Suffolk lettings in the first instance.

For landlords

Central Suffolk Lettings has been developed by Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils. We want to increase access to good quality, affordable homes, in the private rented sector, for eligible residents.

We provide a rent guarantee service to private sector landlords with a property to rent out. We understand how important your property is, and care about the service we offer to you.

Benefits of letting your property with us on the Rent Guarantee Scheme

Guaranteed rent for the term of the tenancy
Cash incentive: For each property you place with us through the Rent Guarantee Scheme we will give you a one-off cash incentive – rates vary
Enhanced payment for properties with EPC C and above: A further £250 incentive is paid if your property is an EPC C or achieves and EPC whilst you are on the guaranteed rent scheme. See below for access to improve energy efficiency ratings
Repairs bond and end of tenancy clean: We offer an additional £250 per year of the tenancy up to 3 years to cover any essential repairs that come up – we will also cover the costs of a professional end of tenancy clean!
Assessment of potential tenants: We carry out full affordability assessments on any potential tenants we put forward to you
Accompanied viewings: All property viewings will be arranged by us and will be fully accompanied with timely feedback to you
Deposit Bond: We will provide a deposit bond for up to 5 weeks rent for any loss or damage caused by the tenant (Because we are a local authority providing a bond, there is no requirement for you to register the deposit)
Inventory, check out and regular inspections: We will compile an inventory on your behalf before the tenant moves into your property, and we will conduct a routine inspection in the first 3 months of the tenancy to check all is going well. At the end of the tenancy we will meet you at the property to do a check out inspection and to agree any deposit claims. A small charge will apply for the inventory only
Routine inspections: We expect you would like to close eye on your properties and routine contact with your tenant helps landlord/tenant relationships so we recommend a routine inspection every 6 months. We can even help with those! If you can't get to a pre-booked routine inspection, due to unforeseen circumstances, just call us and we will carry it out on your behalf free of charge subject to availability.

Routine inspections are one of the most crucial aspects of property management. Landlords have a number of responsibilities regarding keeping the property safe, secure, and in good repair. By inspecting the property regularly, responsible landlords ensure they can comply with these obligations in a timely fashion

What can I set my rent at? And will I be able to increase my rent annually?

All properties on the rent guarantee scheme need to have rent levels set at the Local Housing Allowance rates. The rates are reviewed annually by Central Government and 2025/26 rates can be found here:

Local Housing Allowance rates applicable from April 2025 to March 2026

I'm nervous to be a landlord, with all the changing regulations!

Legislation is often changing and by placing your property with Central Suffolk Lettings we will help you to feel reassured that your property, tenant and tenancy are fully compliant with all relevant and up to date legislation. As part of our service to you as a landlord we offer housing advice throughout your letting experience with us.

What if I have to serve my tenant a notice?

We will support you to do this and will assist in the preparation and service of notices – we will support your tenant through this process also. Any court costs that are incurred for application fees can be claimed through the deposit bond.

Babergh and Mid Suffolk District Councils offer advice and guidance to private landlords, homeowners and tenants on most housing and property related matters.

Who would be your tenant? Who are we trying to help?

Homelessness can affect anyone at anytime – Central Suffolk Lettings look to match homeless households with the right landlord and the right property to make a perfect match! – the tenants we find for you have rented in the private sector before, they will have completed an affordability assessment for your property and will have a positive landlord reference.

How will we help them?

Your tenants will have access to full tenancy support for any changes they may face along the way – we will ensure your tenant is fully equipped with all the tools they need to look after and make your property a home. Our commitment to your tenant will be knowing they can contact us at any time, for any tenants that would like to join our tenancy sustainment plan we will also make routine home telephone calls to them to check all is going well and we’ll send you an update! Routine inspections will be carried out after 3 months and are then subject to available of lettings officers and should be agreed with landlords at time of letting.

Landlord testimonials – "What are our landlords saying about us"

Hi Stephanie, I would like to thank you for your professionalism in finding Jenny (new tenant) for us.

I'm very happy with the excellent service you are providing (Private landlord)

I would have no problem in recommending the service you provide to other agents and tenants alike.

A really effective way of helping with tenants that do not quite fit agents' criteria who had nowhere else to turn unless had a guarantor which you guys effectively are (Private letting agent)

For tenants

Report a repair at your property

Tenant testimonials - "What our tenants are saying about us"

I am deeply grateful to the entire Central Suffolk Lettings team for their unwavering support and assistance. A special thank you to Brenda, Liz and Sharon for their endless kindness, guidance, and encouragement during challenging times. You have done so much for me and my children, leaving a lasting impression on my heart. I sincerely wish you continued professional success and prosperity. Lina CSL tenant 2025

From the 2025 Suffolk Show

Central Suffolk Lettings at the 2025 Suffolk Show

"For the fourth year running, Central Suffolk Lettings were standing proud on Stall 843 opposite the Trinity Ring where we got to watch the amazing Shetland Pony Grand National, and witness the Tik Tok sensation 'Spud man' and his jacket potatoes!

The day was spent having valuable face-to-face conversations with residents from all over Suffolk (some private tenants and some social tenants) and to meet with private landlords who had property to let for our vulnerable households. Landlords from Elmswell, Hadleigh and Great Cornard all offered positive feedback on the scheme and showed interest in letting with us in the future. We are looking forward to next year's event and being part of the face of the Council."

-Steph Lloyd, Team Manager, Central Suffolk Lettings

Decorative image