Argyll and Bute help with rent deposit

The lower income households of Argyll and Bute might face homelessness or live perpetually in temporary accommodation if it were not for the Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme. It is credited for helping move people into the private rented sector that might otherwise become homeless.

The scheme is administered by Argyll and Bute Council on behalf of all citizens. Everyone is served when vacant homes are matched with people who can afford to pay the rent. The home is occupied and maintained to the proper living standards. Council receives the proper tax revenues from the landlords. Landlords receive the income they need to pay any mortgage payments. Landlords receive protection against abusive tenants who might destroy items contained within the property, such as finishings or appliances.

The greatest effect is on the person who needs help beginning their tenancy. They might have enough to pay the rent in advance but cannot come up with an equal additional amount to cover the deposit. That is where Argyll and Bute Council can step in to make up the difference.

The Council has agreed to a bond scheme that lessens the amount due at the start of a new tenancy. It is not a loan, so there are no finance charges owed for the scheme.

There are limits on who can participate. Income of everyone in the household must be revealed at the time of application. This disclosure includes all wages and benefit payments received. The applicant must receive low income to qualify.

Council will also require that the person demonstrate reasonable probability of becoming homeless if they are not assisted. This could include a statement about their home, especially if it is not a permanent residence. Some documentation may be necessary depending on the nature of the current living situation to fully explain how their needs are likely to change over coming days or weeks.

All of this information is obtained in addition to a household budget when visiting the Housing Services office. They will assist with the preparation of a budget by using a simple question and answer process. The scheme is not always the only solution, but it may be recommended for residents who appear to be candidates for the assistance.

Due to the unique geography of our council area, there are multiple offices with housing staff that are available for appointments. An appointment may be scheduled with any of these offices that are convenient.

In Campbeltown sessions are held at the Burnet Building on St John Street. Telephone is 01586 559 090.
The Dunoon office is located in Dolphin Hall on Manse Avenue. Telephone is 01369 708 680.
The Scotcourt House in Helensburgh is on 45 West Princes Street. Telephone is 01436 658 806.
For the Lochgilphead office, Dalriada House is located on Colchester Square. Telephone is 01546 604 794.
The Municipal Buildings in Oban are on Albany Street. Telephone is 01631 567 926.
The Rothesay office is on Union Street. Telephone is 01700 501 332.

An emergency telephone is provided for calls out of hours. That number is 0800 587 7285.

The Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme is intended to protect the landlord from any damages to appliances and anything else that is listed on the inventory. Since the amount of the bond is equal to one month’s rent, it will not protect a landlord for amounts charged above that amount. Normal wear and tear is also ineligible for coverage.

If a tenant damages an appliance, the landlord may submit an invoice to Argyll and Bute Council for reimbursement. The invoice should contain a receipt as evidence of the claim. The Council will reimburse these approved charges and subsequently pursue repayment from the tenant.

The scheme is a great service to local citizens that need a small boost to initiate a new tenancy. This gets them into the home without creating a high interest debt through a lender.