Charnwood Borough Council housing and deposit aid

Lower income residents in Charnwood who are at risk of homelessness or cannot afford their rent may find that they are eligible for housing benefit and other supports. The local council provides a supportive housing program to help people of all ages obtain a safe and affordable residence. While the automatic assumption is that the council deals strictly with social housing for the elderly, there are arrangements available for other situations also.

Assisted Transfer Scheme

Instead of requiring a new security deposit for a move, quite the opposite is possible. A family who is able to downsize from family accommodation in social housing may be eligible to receive a cash grant to facilitate the move. Up to £2,000 may be provided to a family that meets guidelines to help make the move to a smaller unit.

This can be especially useful for a family who finds they no longer need the same space but do need to cut costs. The Housing Needs section can help a family move to a smaller unit and provide this financial incentive as a part of the assisted transfer scheme. The advantage is that it opens up the unit for a larger family that needs the extra space. Any social housing tenant interested in the incentive may call Tenancy Services at 01509 634666.

Return of Housing Deposit

The Charnwood Borough Council can help in situations where a landlord refuses to return a security deposit. Landlords are required to guarantee the safety of all housing deposits.

In cases where a tenant fails to receive the required refund within the necessary time frame, the Housing Needs section can provide advice on how to follow up to request the refund. It may be possible to provide direct guidance if the loss of the deposit funds is contributing to homelessness.

Obviously a security deposit cannot be returned if there are rental arrears on the prior property. The Housing Needs team does provide information on how to deal with that type of situation so that it does not permanently prevent tenants from renting a new property. Questions may be directed to the Housing Needs section at 01509 634567.

Temporary Accommodation

A small percentage of housing applicants who cannot provide a security deposit may be provided with temporary lodging. Advice and information will be offered so that approved residents may save for a future security deposit. There is even help with permanent placement available.

Whether an applicant receives temporary accommodation or not, the Council can help with applying for Housing Benefit. Many applicants are denied because one or more of the requirements have not been met to become eligible.

To get immediate assistance with rental deposits, housing benefit and direct placement into an affordable residence, potential applicants may visit the Council Offices on Southfield Road in Loughborough or call 01509 634567.