Financial Assistance for Housing Improvements

​The intention is to utilise funds from the final year of the Specific Capital Grant received from Welsh Government for Aberystwyth Housing Renewal Area to offer assistance to landlords to address some of the issues identified in the current housing stock.

Three types of grants will be offered:

1. Energy Efficiency Grant – A grant will be offered to owner occupiers and landlords and will be a maximum of £5,000 per property, (landlords will be based on 50% grant and 50% landlord contribution). The works can include:

• Overhauling the existing timber windows, which will include replacing any rotten timbers in hardwood, replace locks, weights, beading if required, installing double glazed units (u-value of 1.2 centre of pane), draught proofing and ensure a 10 year decorative finish
• Installation of secondary glazing
• Option of uPVC double glazing to the rear of the properties (if the property if not a Listed Property)
• External wall insulation
• Loft insulation

2. Conversion Grant to single households – A grant to a maximum of £5,000 (based on 50% grant and 50% landlord contribution) available for properties of four or less bedrooms to be converted back into single household use. These must currently hold an Additional Licence for HMOs. Works can include:

• Category 1 hazards as identified by the Housing Health and Safety Rating System
• Convert to revert back to single household, e.g. removal of fire safety items, i.e. fire door, self-closers, alarm system, etc
• Amenity space for household/family use

3. Conversion grant to self contained units – This will be a maximum grant of £10,000 per unit of accommodation, based on 50% grant and 50% landlord contribution and will be avilable to convert on existing HMO into self-contained units of accommodation. Works will include:

• Category 1 hazards as identified by the Housing Health and SAfety Rating System
• Works to convert the property into self-contained flats

Where four or more units are converted, Nomination Rights will apply to one unit which will have to be available at an Intermediate Rent Level for a tenant who satisfies the Affordable Housing Criteria.

Councillor Rhodri Evans, Cabinet Member for Lifestyle Services and Waste, said: “All of the grants offered aim to help homeowners and landlords to make the most of their properties. The Council hopes that home owners and landlords will make the most of these grants as they seek to improve their houses.”