Families or individuals that are local to Copeland can get help with a rent deposit from a council scheme. The government will provide a loan or a bond guarantee (that both need to be repaid) to help people that are threatened with homelessness or that are currently homeless. Both rent in advance and the damage or security deposit can be paid by the Copeland council scheme.
The rent deposit scheme in Copeland is aimed at keeping people safe and housed in the borough and county. It can help those leaving a care site, people leaving a shelter or hostel, those who can no longer afford their own home and others. Financial help is only for those who meet criteria and that can sustain the tenancy.
There are many criteria to the Copeland council scheme. It is only for private rented properties and not those families on a local housing allowance, or LHA. In addition, the deposit help will only be offered if the home is affordable; the family or individual needs to be able to pay future rental costs on their own.
In addition, an officer from the council needs to inspect the flat or home first as well, before a tenancy agreement is in place and before the deposit is paid. They need to ensure the privately rented property is suitable to live in. It needs to be safe and not in need of major repairs. And the property also needs to be affordable by the tenant.
The applicant needs to have the financial resources to sustain the tenancy agreement as well as other living expenses. They need to be able to afford future rent, electric or heating bills, food, transportation costs, and all other living bills. Their income from a job and savings will be assessed by the Housing Options team as well as the property inspector.
The council will provide financial help in two different ways. Number one, the rent deposit is paid which most landlords in Cumbria require. This can be several hundred to a couple thousand pounds. Secondly, if the property owner requires a rent in advance, the Copeland Council scheme will help pay that cost as well. This can also be several hundred pounds as well.
What this means is that a total of up to 2 months of housing costs can be paid by the Copeland borough council. Then, at the end of the tenancy agreement, the funds need to be repaid to the council. This only needs to be done if the property owner keeps the funds the council gave them.
The Housing Officer also coordinates financial sustainability with the tenant. Everything from money management to employment, budgeting, and other support is given to the tenant. These council and Citizen Advice services will address underlying financial needs of the beneficiary. There is even linkage to budgeting loans to help with paying bills.
If the landlord keeps the money that the Copeland Council paid out for the deposit or rent in advance, then the tenant needs to repay the council. This is where the loan concept comes into place. This makes it even more important for the tenant to ensure they do not damage the flat or home. They also can’t fall into arrears on their rent or energy bills, as in those cases the property owner may keep the tenants money as well.
The housing options team is at The Copeland Centre, Catherine Street, Whitehaven, Cumbria CA28 7SJ. To learn more, or to get financial help, ring the council at 0845 054 8600.
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