East Sussex assistance from rental deposit schemes

Find information on the organisations to contact for assistance with the deposit on a new flat in the East Sussex area. Some charities administer schemes for the homeless, and councils, such as Eastbourne, also can provide loans for paying a rent deposit. A partnership of local churches located in Lewes also provides financial aid to people with a local connection.

The aim is to help the homeless move on to a more affordable property and gain stability. Social workers will partner with the client to address lack of employment or education and help people get back to work. Once the individual has been resettled, the worker will also provide them with ongoing tenancy support.

While in some cases a charity in East Sussex will issue a bond to the landlord to guarantee the deposit on behalf of the tenant, in other cases a loan will be provided to the future tenant. In either case there are options available in order to get help for the deposit that is due.

Agencies that operate as not-for profits

BHT – Brighton Housing Trust is involved in many housing programmes across the county. They operate shelters and temporary accomodations. Another goal is to stop evictions in the area, and this will include referrals to rent deposit schemes as well as legal advice on accessing private sector housing. The staff at the charity will offer other support too, ranging from mediation to helping with applications for benefits and security deposits. Read Brighton Housing Trust schemes.

Churches across Lewes have formed a partnership known as Homelink. For those people that meet the criteria of the programme, they will be issued a loan that needs to be used for paying the security deposit on a new private accommodation. This scheme is only for families on a low income that receive a housing benefit, or that are eligible to receive it in the future. The address of Homelink is at 208 High Street, School Hill, Lewes, East Sussex, BN7 2NS. Call them at 01273 479541, or read more Homelink loans.

The Salvation Army has two main locations in East Sussex. The charity provides many services to the homeless and vulnerable. Clients can receive food, meals, and clothing as a practical support. When it comes to addressing homelessness, case workers can provide information and referrals. They will partner with the client and help them apply for schemes for their rental deposit. Other applications are for housing benefits.

The case workers and volunteers from the Salvation Army work to prevent homelessness. They also help people with signposting and helping individuals on a low income obtain deposit assistance is a key service. The community office is open limited hours, so call for hours or more information on programmes.

• 141 Langney Road, Eastbourne, BN22 8AG. This centre can be reached at 01323 640382.
• Hastings Citadel, St Andrews Square, Hastings, TN34 1SR, call 01424 426894.

Seaview Project is a not-for-profit organisation that has a housing team that provides many services to the needy, rough sleepers, and other needy individuals. They will coordinate emergency accommodations for the homeless and rough sleepers in East Sussex. Other tenant support includes out reach and free advice. The homeless can get help in applying for rent deposit schemes or community grants as well. The centre is at Hatherley Road, St Leonards on Sea, TN37 6LB. Telephone 01424 717981, or find more on housing assistance from Seaview Project.

Help for deposits is available from councils and housing authorities

Information on deposits and free advice from BHT Eastbourne is an option. The centre provides information on locating private accommodations and social housing. The centre is located at Unit 6, Highlight House, 8 St Leonard’s Road, Eastbourne, BN21 3UT. At the office, there is also help for the vulnerable, homeless, and young people for deposits. Counsellors can also provide advice on addressing any rent arrears that a former landlord may require.

Preventing homelessness and coordinating placement is an aim. To do this, the centre has Housing Options Officers that will give the individual an assessment of their needs. Based on the results, help may be provided from a Deposit Loan Scheme, advice for dealing with rent arrears, and housing placement into a supportive accommodation.

Officers work with potential tenants to address their problems. Other housing services are free legal advice, how to deal with housing disrepair problems, free landlord mediation services and more. Ring them at 01323 642615, or use the centre address to drop in.

East Sussex DESSS support scheme – This is the districts version of welfare, and the funds is for residents on a low income or facing poverty. While DESSS can provides assistance with a number of bills and housing costs, the scheme may have funds to help with the rent deposit payment to start a new tenancy in East Sussex. A number of housing expenses can be paid by the East Sussex Discretionary Support Scheme.

Wealden District Council will assist those in priority need. They have referrals to emergency accommodations in East Sussex. Then, once that has been achieved, the homeless will go through an interview and assessment to help them receive financial help for paying deposits and other costs. Loans for housing and deposit expenses are provided from the Letstart Scheme. The council is located at Vicarage Lane, Hailsham. The telephone is 01323 443380, or more on loans in Wealden District.