UK Bill Help

Residents of Cheltenham Borough who can’t afford a deposit on their own can turn to the council for help. The assistance provided is for both the deposit on a new home, and in some cases, a guarantee can also cover up to two months worth of rent advance payments that are due. The amount of assistance provided is limited and will normally be around £700. The aim of the council scheme is to help those in priority need.

Both landlords and tenants need to agree to this arrangement. If either party does not, then the scheme will not be an option for the situation in question. The reason that the landlord needs to agree is that they are provided a bond instead of cash, and it is really a form of insurance. While they will get a tenant that has been screened by the council, there still may be some additional risk for them when it comes to the timing of the payments. So they need to agree to this form of compensation.

The scheme from the Cheltenham council will cover the security deposit, and some prospective tenants may receive help for the rent in advance payments as well. It is also combined with free advice to help the individual overcome any financial hardships they are threatened with. More details on the terms are below.

The rent deposit will be covered of up to £700. It will last for one year, and at the end of this the tenant needs to take over the bond. During that time-frame the family can work with the council on saving money and taking steps such as maximising income. So the ultimate responsibility will always be on the tenant.

At the end of the tenancy agreement, if there is damage to the home or if the renter is in arrears, then the landlord can make a claim with the Cheltenham council. They will be reimbursed a certain amount of money beyond any normal wear and tear. At that time, the council will also pursue the family that rented the home as they will need to pay the council back.

The rent in advance guarantee scheme will cover up to two months worth of costs. The housing team at the council office will need to review the tenancy agreement before it is signed. They will ensure the deal is affordable and other conditions are met, as the council will not help with any costs that are excessive.

This assistance is also a form of insurance. So this means the tenant will need to save money over the course of their stay in the accommodations and take over the payments from the council. It is similar to above in that if there is damage to the home then the tenant is still responsible for addressing this.

The budget for these housing programmes is limited. The Cheltenham Borough Council expects only a few dozen residents to be assisted each year. However, if funds are not issued, the housing options team can still signpost the applicant to other possible solutions for their needs. For more information or to apply, the offices are at Municipal Offices Promenade, Cheltenham, GL50 9SA, and the telephone is 01242 775063.