A scheme to connect tenants with private landlords to ease the housing waiting list in Cornwall has been hailed a success just two months after it was launched.
With more than 25,000 applicants on the Homechoice housing register, the need for housing in the county is high.
The Stepping Stones to Homes initiative unveiled in June is already bearing fruit in Truro, Callington and Bugle, according to organisers.
Prospective tenants are referred to the scheme by Cornwall Housing, a company owned by Cornwall Council.
The initiative aims to encourage more private landlords to work with Cornwall Housing, who run the Homechoice register, to provide good quality homes to some of the individuals and families on the list.
Under the initiative Cornwall Housing provides a dedicated housing officer and sets up a landlord code and a tenant code to ensure each is aware of their respective responsibilities.
Filomena Zamparelli was one of the first tenants to benefit when landlords Bill and Sheila Eathorne signed up to the scheme with their property in Truro.
Miss Zamparelli said: "This has made a huge difference to the quality of my life, to have a permanent home and peace of mind and happiness. No words can describe how important this is in my life."
Mr Eathorne said: "We feel this is a very positive move forward for us and are very happy to be working with Stepping Stones to Homes."
Tenant Sasha Hunt is now living in a flat in Callington, east Cornwall, thanks to the scheme.
Her new landlord Michael Froggatt said: "I've been happy with the prompt response and support I've received throughout the process."
James Docksey, another landlord, who signed up a property in Bugle, in the clay country, said: "I've been really happy at the smooth transition and the support I've received."
His new tenant Angela Chan said: "I am really happy with the flat and I'm enjoying my new surroundings."
Mark Kaczmarek, Cornwall Council's cabinet member for housing and planning, said the arrangement offered private landlords and tenants the assurances and help they need to be able to enjoy a good and long-lasting relationship.
He said: "We want to get away from the revolving door which sees tenants who, for whatever reason, take on a tenancy only for the relationship with the landlord to break down and for the person to be back in the system and in need of emergency advice or accommodation.
"We still have too many households in bed and breakfast and other emergency accommodation."
