Moves to reduce homelessness through a landlord incentive scheme have reached a further milestone.

The Key4Me Scheme has led to 100 households in Dorset being re-housed into the private rented sector since the start of 2026.

Launched in November 2024, the scheme has now helped more than 270 households across the Dorset Council area access housing in the private sector.

The scheme supports landlords to house tenants, with ongoing assistance available from the council’s landlord liaison officers and tenancy sustainment team. Tenants also have greater housing stability.

With no fees to pay, landlords can save up to 15% of rental costs.

Flats, rooms and 1 to 5-bedroom houses have been let through the scheme, helping people to move people out of temporary accommodation or avoid the risk of homelessness, giving them greater security.

Councillor Gill Taylor, Dorset Council Cabinet Member for Housing and Homelessness, said she was delighted with the continued progress of the Key4Me initiative:

“Housing is one of this council’s key priorities. By working closely with landlords, we’re helping more households access homes in the private rented sector on affordable terms while giving them greater security.

“The scheme also saves landlords hundreds of pounds and gives peace of mind that support is available if they need it. It’s a partnership that benefits everyone.”

One landlord recently praised the landlord liaison team and the scheme:

“I would like to thank you for all your effort and support to make this process smooth for my tenant and me. Your team has been superb every step of the way and should any more of my properties become available, I will be in touch again.”

Benefits of the scheme include:

• Help with rent in advance
• Landlord incentive payments
• Help with a deposit bond (up to a maximum of 12 weeks’ worth of rent)
• Help with a rent deposit (up to a maximum of 5 weeks’ worth of rent)
• A pet bond (up to a maximum of £400)
• Free landlord compliancy check
• Free support from the council’s Tenancy Sustainment Team should a landlord or their tenant have any concerns
• Free tenancy agreement and inventory
• Free year’s membership with the South West Landlords Association

Find out more about Key4Me at dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/key4me