A HAMPSHIRE council is calling on landlords to help prevent homelessness as part of a new £100,000 campaign.

Test Valley council chiefs are appealing to landlords and tenants to contact the authority when any issue with tenancies first begin in a bid to prevent them escalating.

It comes as the council launches a £100,000 scheme to fight homelessness across the borough. It is encouraging private landlords to contact the authority before they reach the point of serving notice.

The council’s housing team provides free services to landlords, including tenant finding and vetting processes, along with other advice aimed at helping them to make every tenancy a success. Landlords can also get in touch with the authority if they have concerns.

Housing boss Cllr Phil Bundy said: “If a tenancy must end, we want to make sure we can avoid homelessness being the result. Our first priority will always be to ensure that both the interests of the landlord and the tenant are protected and to get tenancies onto a sustainable footing.”

The council’s services are open to anyone who may live with family or friends, rent privately or rent from a local housing association.

A walk-in service is available Monday to Friday from 9am until noon and from 2pm until 4pm at the former magistrates court in Romsey. Services can also be accessed via 01264 368000 or 01794 527700. Private landlords can contact Test Valley Borough Council by emailing rentdepositteam@testvalley.gov.uk.