Owners of homes that have been empty long-term are to be offered help to bring them back into use.
It is hoped that by making vacant homes available to live in again it will help reduce the pressure on council house waiting lists.
The new Lease and Repair scheme is being run by South Holland District Council in partnership with Boston Mayflower.
Properties which have been empty for more than six months are eligible for the scheme, which might particularly appeal to owners of homes that are run-down or derelict.
The properties are leased to Boston Mayflower for up to ten years.
Any works – such as rewiring or installation of new kitchens or bathrooms – are carried out using government funding.
The home is then let at an affordable rent and maintained throughout.
At the end of the leased term, the property is returned to the owner in good condition.
Coun Malcolm Chandler, the district council’s portfolio holder for strategic housing, said: “This is a win-win situation for an owner of a home which is currently standing empty and unused.
“If it needs repairs, the funds are there within the scheme to assist. Plus the owner could then receive rental income from the housing association as part of the ten-year lease.
“And at the end of that period, the homeowner still retains the property to do as they wish.
“This is another way in which South Holland District Council is trying to help people with housing need.”
Anyone interested in the scheme should call the council’s Private Sector Housing team on 01775 761161 or email info@sholland.gov.uk