UK Bill Help

People seeking a private rented sector home can turn to the Blackburn Council Housing Needs Section team for both deposit help and advice. The main centre has information on bond schemes to apply to as well as landlords that will accept this form of financial aid in lieu of a cash payment. Other support is also provided as needed.

There are many services available in the Blackburn district. The first step for anyone from the area is to locate a safe and affordable home. The team will help prospective tenants that meet criteria to locate these accommodations. The property will also need to be inspected by the Housing Needs Section team for safety. They will also ensure the rent is affordable and that all gas as well as occupancy certificates have been received by the landlord.

The Blackburn Council can not only ensure the property is safe, but they will also assess the tenancy agreement. This in fact needs to be done before the person signs with the landlord. It may take up to 3 days for the review to occur. The council will not provide a deposit bond if the agreement is not assessed first.

The steps done above are to ensure the home is safe, affordable, and that all the actions required by the landlord were done properly. So the Housing Needs Section is really a key partner of the tenant to help them remain in the new property.

Details on Blackburn district bonds

Landlords need to agree to the scheme. The reason is that the council will not provide the property owner cash for the deposit, but instead the bond is a guarantee. This is not a common arrangement, so the landlord is a key partner of the council. It is aimed at paying any expenses that are caused by the tenant during the length of the agreement.

As an example, if the property is damaged, then the landlord can make a claim against the bond and the council will pay for the repair. Or if the family is evicted because of rent arrears, the Blackburn bond can help pay for the arrears.

The Blackburn deposit scheme will also only be for families on a low income that do not have enough cash to come up with the damage deposit that is due. The authorities will verify this with tax records and require proof of income and savings as well. The programme is discretionary, similar to how the welfare schemes work. There is not dispute process in place.

Any security deposit help will give priority for the homeless and residents in priority need as per the government guidelines. This will often include pregnant women, the disabled, and young people in the district.

The deposit can also help with those that are resettling as they are facing homeless. Many people that are local to Blackburn may struggle to keep up with their rent payment, even with the help of CAB and the council. If they are facing an eviction, then a bond can help them pay the depot on a new property.

Blackburn Citizens Advice Bureau, located on Town Hall Street, as well as the staff at the Housing Needs Section offer ongoing support. Together they will also provide assistance in for maintaining the tenancy agreement. The team at the centre or CAB will offer free advice and support in applying for the Local Housing Allowance (benefits) in Blackburn. They can also help the family find furniture for their home, help with budgeting, and more.

A number of services are run by the Housing Needs Section team in Blackburn. The address is Town Hall, King William Street. The hours are Monday to Friday, and the telephone is 01254 585444. It will take several business days for an application to be assessed.