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Ceredigion County Council has partnered with Ceredigion Care Society to prevent one of the major contributors of homelessness. Residents who lack savings to access private rental housing could get assistance through the Care Society Bond Scheme.

Instead of being shut out of the private rented sector, individuals and families who need help moving into a new place can get assistance with the rent deposit. The aid can make the difference between being able to rent a home or being stuck in temporary accommodation.

Council has put its full support behind the scheme. The service has been provided by Ceredigion Care Society since 1999, which is the year it was first offered.

Many residents first make contact because they are looking for either a loan or a grant to pay rent deposit. The scheme does not provide an actual cash payment to residents, nor does it provide the funds to their landlords. It works differently, though some applicants may be matched to outside funding if a cash deposit is required.

What is offered is a bond certificate. This is a non-cash guarantee to landlords who agree to accept a certificate in lieu of a cash rent deposit. A landlord who accepts this guarantee may request reimbursement for eligible damages. A payment for charges up to the amount of the bond agreement may be authorised to a landlord, but only if the charges are beyond normal wear and tear. Reimbursement is only approved for damages. Arrears cannot be paid through the scheme.

Anyone who is homeless may request consideration for deposit assistance. There is not a requirement that a person is already homeless though. If an applicant is without a permanent residence or at risk of eviction, they could also be approved.

Many people are referred to the scheme through Social Services and the Probation Service. When lower income residents contact the council for help, the scheme is one option that could be deemed to be a solution. They can be referred for help, though there is no requirement that someone is referred from an outside agency. Anyone can request assistance through one of two local offices.

• The Aberystwyth office is located at 26 Cambrian Street. Drop in service is allowed, though residents may wish to call ahead on 01970 639111 for an appointment.
• Residents may also call the Cardigan office on 01239 621807. The location is 46 St Mary’s Street.

Any private landlord may accept a bond certificate. Properties must be located in Ceredigion and they must pass an inspection to ensure that safety and cleanliness requirements are adhered to. It also must be an appropriate sized home. The bedrooms must match up to the family size.

An applicant does not have to be able to afford the rent based solely on employment. Housing benefit can be accepted to cover ongoing rent costs. Tenants would need to prove that they could cover any difference between the Local Housing Allowance and the actual monthly rate. This ensures that the scheme is not used to initiate unrealistic tenancies.

Residents must understand that the bond must be issued prior to entering into a tenancy agreement. Otherwise they must use other means to fulfill the deposit requirement.

Tenants can apply by submitting an application to the Ceredigion Care Society. Landlords may also request inclusion in the scheme. This allows a landlord to bypass the tenant deposit scheme requirement as well as to help them locate a suitable tenant faster.

A bond worker can answer questions before an application is submitted. All enquiries may be directed to either the main office in Aberystwyth or the secondary office in Cardigan.