Elmbridge Rentstart bond guarantees help with rent deposits in Surrey

Assistance in paying for a rent deposit for private accommodations is available from a scheme created by Elmbridge Rentstart. The charity organisation has been partnering with individuals on a low income to help them achieve housing stability and avoid homelessness. Financial aid can be provided in different situations, however the aim is to help with a deposit for childless couples as well as young or single people.

Anyone seeking help must have a local connection to the Elmbridge Borough area. They will need to meet other criteria as well that are set by the charity. Most of the aid is also for single individuals or those families on a low income that do not have children. The applicant also needs to be homeless or close to it.

The applicant also needs to be on a low income. The reason this is because many people, in particular the homeless, find the deposit costs, fees, and other expenses difficult to fund. This can prevent them from security a safe accommodation in the area. The deposit scheme can help address this problem. The applicant can’t also be working with any other local housing authority. The organisation also partners with Thames Homeless Project, Crisis, Walton Charity, as well as the Borough Council on the scheme.

Referrals are provided from local hostels in Surrey or from shelters. Anyone that needs help with paying for a new, permanent accommodation should ask for a referral to the Elmbridge Rentstart organisation. The coverage is for the towns and areas of Cobham, Weybridge, Walton on Thames, and really anywhere in the Elmbridge Borough. They operate from the Harry Fletcher House, High Street, Esher, Surrey, KT10 9RN. Or social workers can call the charity at 01372 477167.

After a referral has been received, the applicant will need to meet with a housing advisor. An assessment will need to take place to see if the person if eligible for any bonds or other forms of housing support. Some people will not be eligible for financial aid, but they will only receive advice.

Type of help provided by the bond guarantee

For those that are able to benefit from the bond scheme, Elmbridge Rentstart will try to find a landlord of a private accommodation in Surrey. The rent deposit that is due for the new home will then be guaranteed by Rentstart.

Many other housing services are provided. The specialist from Elmbridge Rentstart will work with the landlord so they accept the bond guarantee. They will also review the tenancy agreement for the client, fast track any government housing benefit applications to pay the future rent, and provide budgeting classes. The tenant will need to save money as the guarantee will only last for 6 to 12 months, so funds saved by the participant will need to be issued to pay the deposit at that time.

Other help will also be provided by the advisor as well. There will be advice on applications to loans from credit unions in Surrey as well as referrals to other sources of rental assistance, such as charities, churches, or the local council. So the bond guarantee can be combined with other funds in an effort to pay the deposit or other housing costs. Both the landlord and the tenant can have a reduced chance of having a default on the future on their rent as a result of this guarantee.

For those that are able to receive funds from their rental deposit guarantee scheme, they will also receive ongoing advice. This will help prevent future homelessness on the client. Tenants can learn about their legal rights and obligations as well as where to turn to for any future aid that may be required.