UK Bill Help

Cardiff residents who lack the savings to pay rent deposit need not be left in the cold. These bond guarantee schemes can open the door to a new rental property by fulfilling the rent deposit required by private landlords.

Huggard’s Bond Board

The local charity that provides a rent deposit guarantee is Huggard, which is also based in Cardiff. Huggard has bankrolled a rent deposit guarantee that is provided to landlords in lieu of the normal cash deposit.

Landlords often agree to the process because it helps them rent out a vacant home faster. Many of their applicants can afford the monthly rental rate, but they lack the means to pay both advance rent and deposit before moving in. Landlords also have the same protection from arrears or damages that is provided by a cash deposit, but without the hassle of utilising a tenancy deposit scheme.

This allows for qualified tenants to find affordable housing so that they no longer have to depend on family or other organisations for shelter. It is a win-win service for landlords and tenants.

Huggard introduced The Bond Board so that lower income residents could obtain safe and affordable housing through private landlords. Over 150 residents are able to move in each year thanks to the scheme. Cardiff’s Tenant Support Team and YMCA often provide referrals to Huggard for the rent deposit guarantee scheme. Referrals from case workers to Huggard’s Bond Board are recommended, but the general public may also drop in weekday mornings. Drop ins are welcome at the Huggard Centre on Hansen Street in Cardiff. Enquiries are welcome at 029 2064 2000.

Cardiff Council Housing Options Centre

Cardiff Council’s Housing Options Centre provides a bond guarantee certificate to residents also. Eligibility criteria are strict due to the limited budget. Like other schemes, this bond guarantee certificate may be used to fulfill a private landlord’s deposit requirement.

Only households who meet strict requirements will be approved for the scheme. Documentation of all sources of household income is necessary, and a full budget disclosure will also be needed by Council to authorise a certificate. The Housing Options Centre is located on Hansen Street near Dumballs Road. Residents may call 029 2057 0750 for more information on the scheme and to schedule an appointment.

Cardiff Bond Board

The Cardiff Bond Board was established for the purpose of assisting poor residents with the rent deposit requirement. The scheme works similarly to others in the area.

Local residents who wish to be approved for a rental deposit bond may call 029 2063 2013 to speak with a representative. Some screening questions may precede the actual appointment.

YMCA Cardiff Private Rented Sector Scheme

A bond guarantee of a full month’s rent plus £250 is available to landlords who partner with the YMCA. Only YMCA residents are able to participate in this scheme.

The YMCA Cardiff Private Rented Sector Scheme essentially covers the rent in advance and deposit through the bond guarantee. This is one of the most generous schemes throughout all of Britain, but it is only available for YMCA hostel residents. Those in need of emergency shelter could first stay at YMCA and eventually become eligible for the scheme if they meet all other requirements.

Initial enquiries may be made by calling YMCA Cardiff at 02920 465250.

Zero-interest budgeting loan

Some applicants who are denied a bond certificate could still borrow the funds needed for rent deposit. A budgeting loan could be approved from the Social Fund so that a prospective tenant can move in quickly.

Funds are repaid over the course of two years. There is no interest charged on the amount. Council’s Housing Options Centre or other money advisers can make a referral for the fund if they believe a tenant is likely to qualify. Usually six months of benefits are enough to allow an applicant to access these interest-free rental loans.