Information for PSL tenants
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What are PSL properties like?
All the properties in the scheme are privately owned and are all located in Edinburgh. You can choose which area of the city you would like to live.
Typical properties are either 1 or 2 bedroom flats and the majority of these are furnished.
If the property is furnished the following items will be included:
- Sofa
- Coffee table
- Dining table & chairs (a chair is required for each occupant)
- Cooker (with oven & hob)
- Fridge freezer
- Wall, base and sink units suitable for the size of the kitchen
- Bed, mattresses and fabric bed base
- Wardrobe and set of drawers
- Bath / Shower, wash-hand basin and toilet
- Bathroom storage area
- Curtains/blinds for all windows
- Suitable floor covering for each room
- Vacuum cleaner
- Mop & bucket
However, you will have to provide the following items such as:
- Personal belongings
- Bed linen
- Towels
- Kitchen utensils
All furniture provided within the property will comply with the relevant regulations including the Furniture and Furnishings (Fire Safety) 1998 and Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1994/CP12.
How long can I stay in a PSL property?
You can stay in a PSL property until the lease with the PSL landlord expires.
How much does a PSL property cost?
The amount that you have to pay towards your PSL rent is based on guidelines set by the Department for Work and Pensions. If you are in receipt of benefits i.e. Job Seekers Allowance, Employment and Support Allowance then generally Housing Benefit will cover the entire cost of the rent. However, if you are working the Department for Work and Pensions calculation is used to determine your contribution towards your rent and any outstanding rent is made up by Housing Benefit.
The amount you pay towards your PSL rent is actually based on your income and not on the total rent of the PSL property. This means that regardless of the total rent of the property, the size or location the amount you contribute towards your rent will remain the same. The only costs would change for different properties is Council Tax.
If your income levels remain the same then the amount you would pay towards your PSL rent would also remain the same. If your income levels increase or decrease then your contribution to your rent will increase and decrease correspondingly. If your income levels change during your PSL tenancy then it is your responsibility to notify Link of this change.
If you are due to start work and are already in a PSL tenancy then a PSL Officer from Link will be able to advise you if you are entitled to any Housing Benefit or if you would have to contribute to the cost of your rent. You can call the Link PSL team on 08451 550 021 if you are unsure if you are entitled to Housing Benefit or if you would have to contribute towards your rent. One of the PSL officers can carry out a benefits calculation for you.
Council tax responsibility
You are responsible for paying the Council Tax on your property. If you are unsure as to whether this applies to you please call CEC on 0131 469 500.