UK Bill Help

Citizens with a local connection to Chesterfield Borough Council can get help when they cannot afford to pay a rent deposit. Council operates a Tenancy Bond Guarantee Scheme that can take the place of a cash deposit.

The scheme is a very simple solution to help house people who can afford to pay rent in advance, but not on top of a full month’s damage deposit. Since so many lower-income applicants might otherwise be unable to fulfill the move in requirements, the service essentially helps them overcome this final obstacle to entering private rented housing.

Many Chesterfield residents who are homeless or living in temporary accommodation often pay more for shelter than they would if they were in permanent housing. Because of these overpayments, they lack the savings necessary to put the equivalent of two month’s rent down prior to gaining access.

The scheme does more than just get them into a home. It also includes a savings component where tenants plan for a future move. An account with the Chesterfield Savings and Loan Organisation gives them the power to build up a balance to use towards the next deposit. This allows for participants to access the private rented sector now and gradually gain financial independence so that they never have to ask council for help again.

Chesterfield landlords that accept bond certificates

Any private home that meets inspection guidelines is eligible for the scheme. Asking the landlord if they would be open to accepting a bond guarantee from council is usually the first step. A Homelessness Prevention Officer can assist with this negotiation, since they are knowledgeable on the terms and structure of this arrangement.

There are also many landlords that have already agreed to this strategy. Chesterfield Town Hall maintains a listing of landlords who have already agreed to the bond scheme and will not require a cash deposit. Anyone may obtain a copy of the list from Housing Reception by first calling them on 01246 345825.

Apply for rent deposit assistance

When calling Housing Reception, there will be an opportunity to speak with a Homelessness Prevention Officer about the scheme. An overview can be given by phone and initial screening questions are generally asked. Beyond that, potential candidates are invited to complete an application for the scheme. Some documentation will be required, such as household members, total income (including benefit payments) and a list of expenses. An explanation of any hardships incurred can strengthen an application for rent deposit assistance.

If a specific property has been found, council will require that the landlord is interested in the scheme. They can help negotiate the actual arrangement with the landlord as long as there is some interest. Choosing a property from the council list can simplify this process.

Council will have to issue a bond certificate before an applicant is eligible to enter a new tenancy through the scheme. The bond guarantees repayment of damages incurred by a tenant, though it does not include normal wear and tear.

There is also a requirement that an applicant is at risk for homelessness. This could be due to a number of factors, and council is required to assist residents who become homeless through no fault of their own.

To initiate an application, residents may call 01246 345825 to speak with a Homelessness Prevention Officer. They will explain the terms of the scheme and describe the steps necessary to complete the arrangement.

Information about the savings component is also provided. This step is highly encouraged whenever a tenant has a few pence to squeeze out of the weekly budget. Participants are eligible to join Chesterfield Savings and Loans Organisation, which goes by the name Chesterfield and North East Derbyshire Credit Union. The credit union telephone contact is 01246 278833.