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Discretionary assistance for paying housing expenses is available from the Eastleigh Borough Rent Bond scheme. The council will provide help to prospective tenants that do not have enough cash to pay a deposit on their own. The scheme is aimed at covering the costs for private rented accommodations.

This bond is a little different than some of the other schemes in the UK in that it operates similar to a loan. The tenant will need to agree to a repayment plan and they will need pay the Council each and every month towards the cost of the bond. The payment will be affordable and can be made in installments, but the fact is that the renter does need to use some of their income to cover the bond.

Most of the assistance is for parents with children. They will be given priority. If the prospective tenant is single or if they are a couple but do not have children, then the Housing Officer or Homelessness Prevention Officer (HPO) can link the applicant to other schemes in the Eastleigh Borough, including loans from the council. There is one option that is normally for people without children, and that is a Rent Guarantee Scheme that is run by churches.

After applying, and if approved by the Eastleigh Borough council, a bond will be issued for up to £650.00. Before this is done though the prospective landlord also needs to agree to the Rent Bond scheme. The property to be let also needs to meet criteria as set by the Homelessness Prevention Officer. Some of those criteria include the following.

• -The home needs to be in the Eastleigh Borough, Southampton, Winchester, Test Valley, or Fareham.
• -The monthly rent needs to be affordable.
• -Applicants need to have a source of income or be on benefits, such as Local Housing Allowance.
• -The HPO needs to take an inventory of the property, and the landlord and tenant need to agree to this.

The Rent Bond scheme needs to be repaid over time. This is how the scheme is similar to a loan. The council will set this period, and it is at their discretion. Normally the repayment period is 12 months, but that can be changed when needed and may be as long as the tenancy agreement.

The monthly amount will be affordable. If the bond that is used to pay the rent deposit is not paid, then legal action may be taken. This will also reduce the chance for the person to get placed into housing in the future as the HPO will both restrict the use of future loans and also not allow people to be on the Eastleigh Council’s Homechoice Housing Register.

Also, the family needs to maintain the private rented accommodations. The flat can’t be damaged, they need to keep it clean, and agree to other conditions of the tenancy agreement. This maintenance also includes paying the monthly rent on time, and if any of the loan payments are missed, then this can also void the agreement.

If there is damage to the home, or if rent arrears accrues, then the landlord can make a claim with the council. If that happens, the Housing Adviser will require the family to repay the bond up to £650.00 or more. Damage or arrears will also prevent the family from going back onto the Homechoice Housing Register.

To apply for a bond to pay a deposit, a Rent Guarantee Scheme Repayment Agreement needs to be signed. As part of this there also needs to be proof of income, homelessness, and more. This is in addition to the items noted above. For more information, or to apply, the Eastleigh Borough Council offices are at Leigh Road, Eastleigh, Hampshire, SO50 9YN. The telephone is 023 8068 8000. Note any help provided by the Rent Bond scheme is discretionary and families are not entitled to this programme.