The council wants to lease privately owned properties as temporary homeless accommodation.

Councillor Davie McLachlan, the chair of the council’s Housing and Technical Resources Committee, said: “This is a great opportunity for private landlords to lease out currently empty homes whilst providing the council with accommodation to help individuals and families who urgently need somewhere to stay.

“Ideally, the council would like to lease ex-local authority stock as these properties are usually in locations where there are other council properties which, as they will be similar stock, will make it easier to manage and maintain.”

In some cases, other types of property may be considered.

Every property must meet minimum criteria, which are listed here.

Any landlord who is interested can either email privateleasing@southlanarkshire.gov.uk or phone: 0303 123 1012, choose option 7 and ask for estates when you get through.

The owner(s) of the property must be a registered Landlord with Landlord Registration Scotland and also a member of Landlord Accreditation Scotland or in the process of registering.

Please note - private leasing will not be considered if any landlord or their partners or spouses are employed by the council.