A Saundersfoot councillor has given helpful feedback to property owners on the ‘Leasing Scheme Wales’ initiative that runs for Pembrokeshire.

Cllr Chris Williams said that during his time as County Councillor for the seaside village’s south ward, he has received enquiries from local residents regarding the possibility of renting or letting their properties as an alternative to selling or using them as holiday lets, particularly in light of the Second Home Council Tax implications.

“I fully appreciate that each situation is different, but I wanted to make residents aware of a scheme currently operating successfully in Pembrokeshire, which supports property owners, while also helping families and individuals seeking rental accommodation across the county,” he explained.

“If you own a property in Pembrokeshire, you can rent it out with the support of Pembrokeshire County Council through Leasing Scheme Wales. This scheme is funded by the Welsh Government and managed by local authorities.

“It provides landlords with the opportunity to lease their property to the Council for guaranteed rental payments over a period of five to twenty years.

“This not only gives landlords long-term security but also increases the availability of affordable rental housing in the area,” he continued.

Landlords who participate in the scheme benefit from guaranteed rental payments at the relevant local housing allowance rate for the duration of the lease.

Where necessary, the scheme offers grants of up to £5,000 to bring properties up to agreed standards or improve their EPC rating to level C, and additional funding of up to £25,000 is available for empty properties.

Repairs for tenant-caused damage are covered, subject to reasonable wear and tear, and structural defects remain the responsibility of the landlord. Throughout the lease, the Council provides appropriate support to tenants, ensuring a secure and well-managed tenancy for both parties.

Property owners interested in participating can express their interest via the Council’s website. While there may be a short delay in processing enquiries due to staff absence, all applications are followed up promptly.

“This scheme provides a practical, secure, and mutually beneficial option for property owners who wish to contribute to the local rental market while safeguarding their investment,” added Cllr Williams.

Second home-owners in Pembrokeshire will pay a lower council tax premium next year. Late last year, Pembrokeshire councillors had voted to drop the council tax premium on second homes from 200% on top of the standard bill, effectively a treble rate, to 150%.

Prior to that, second-home owners in the county were charged a 100% premium.

Following backing from the council’s Cabinet, a full meeting of Pembrokeshire County Council, on October 9, was recommended to support the second homes premium remaining at 150% and a long-term empty properties rate remaining at 300% for properties empty for more than two years.

The percentage of homes with no usual resident in Pembrokeshire, made up of holiday lets, empty homes and second homes, is 13.8%, down from a high of 14.6%, a report for members said.