A scheme in operation since 2007 is working with private landlords to help rent their properties to families in need.

The Rental Support Scheme helps households typically on a low income or claiming housing benefit, which makes it challenging to access affordable quality homes in the current market.

Councillor James Browne, portfolio holder for housing, said: "The team works hard to try and find the best match of landlord and tenant and make the letting process as straightforward as possible for both parties.

"They pride themselves on building good working relationships with the landlords on their books. The council Rental Support Scheme can bring landlords and prospective tenants together, providing landlords with a service similar to lettings agents but without the costs."

The free service has become well established and has attracted landlords looking for an alternative way of renting their property.

One landlord said: "Taking this step also made me reconsider my views on renting out to a tenant receiving housing benefit. There seems to be an assumption that this has a number of risks attached to it, an assumption I too was guilty of."

For more information, contact Sherone Lee or Jenny Hopkins on 01372 474597, email rss@elmbridge.gov.uk or visit elmbridge.gov.uk/rss.