A charity is helping Syrian refugee families who are fleeing the civil war find homes in London.

Arhag, a housing association which provides homes for refugees and migrants in the capital, is helping Muswell Hill Methodist Church find properties from private landlords.

The Government’s Community Sponsorship Scheme is designed to help local groups like the Methodist church, offer housing to refugees.

Arhag is looking for landlords to partner with who will be prepared to rent their properties to an affordable rate, and in return they will not needs to pay fees to letting agents.

Chief executive Cedric Boston said: “We will bring a house up to a good standard, put in new furnishings and appliances where necessary and will guarantee the rent for between three to five years.

“So we believe that should be an attractive deal for a landlord – to have his property improved, maintained and a guaranteed income for up to five years.

Paul Eedle of Muswell Hill Methodist Church said “We have our own homelessness crisis, but the Syrian crisis is so big that we want to help at least a few families.

“A housing association renting from private landlords could be used to address the wider housing crisis in London.”

Landlords who believe they can help should contact Cedric Boston at Arhag on 0207 424 7371 cboston@arhag.co.uk or Muswell Hill Methodist church on pauleedle@me.com