UK Bill Help

A Rent Deposit Scheme for residents of Poole can help prospective tenants pay the move in costs on a new private home or apartment. Council funds will support prospective tenants by given them a low interest rate rate on the money provided, and it can cover a deposit that is equivalent to up to 4 weeks of rent in advance.

The scheme is available to most people in the Borough of Poole, however the council will priortise certain individuals. The aim is to resettle the homeless if they participate in job and life skills training, so they can be assisted with their deposit. Also, help is for families and individuals that have a priority need for housing, and this may be lone parents, pregnant women, people with a disability, or the elderly. It will really be for anyone that is considered to be vulnerable.

Loans can be provided to other prospective tenants as well though. While funding is limited, the council will do its best to assist as many residents as possible, even if they need to refer applicants to other deposit schemes or even the credit union in Dorset.

Funds from the council will only pay a deposit, within reason, and any other fees or rent in advance due needs to be paid by the client. There are other eligibility conditions as well, such as the tenant will need to agree to a repayment plan and make monthly payments. Also, if the agreement is not followed, then the council can take legal action or prevent the person from obtaining housing in the future.

The Rent Deposit Loan Scheme can also be combined with other housing benefits. So the money can be used for paying any moving costs, rent in advance, or even utility connection fees or bills. The cash that is raised from the council loans will be sent to the letting agent or landlord. The JobCentre or CAB in Poole can also provide more advice on how these different schemes and benefits can be combined for additional aid.

To apply, the person needs to find affordable housing first. If they will be paying the rent using a housing benefit they are entitled too, the landlord will also need to agree to this form of payment. All the tenancy agreements and accommodations selected need to be approved by the team at the Poole Council, as they need proof that the home will be affordable over time and also safe to live in.

A process in in place when applying for the deposit loan, and the council will need proof of income, household members, identification and whether in priority need or not. Other information may be requested too. If an applicant receives the Local Housing Allowance, this information will also need to be provided to the council.

Deposits to resettle residents

The Rent Deposit Loan Scheme will also prevent homelessness. This means people sleeping rough or on the streets can be placed into new accommodations, or it can help a current tenant that is facing eviction from their landlord. In either case, money may be issued for the deposit on a new, more affordable home in the Dorset County or Poole area.

When applying for this reason, proof of this homelessness will be needed. This may be a letter from the landlord on the eviction, or a notice from family that the applicant was kicked out of their home. However, if someone has this, then the council may help.

For more information or to apply for a loan, the Poole housing adviser can be called at 01202 633804, or people can use a Freephone and ring 800 0929 710.