Erewash deposit assistance from Bond Guarantee Scheme

The Erewash council Bond Guarantee Scheme can help cover a deposit that amounts to as much as £500. The council will not provide cash as part of this programme, but rather a bond is issued which will act as a form of insurance for the landlord. The aim is to get people facing an eviction, or that are homeless, into a home or flat in the private rented sector.

Any type of agreement entered into in legally binding. It needs to be followed by all parties, including the tenant, landlord, and even the Erewash council. If there is any fraud committed by any of these individuals then the authorities will take legal action as needed.

Deposit assistance of up to £500 is provided by the bond, or one month’s rent, whichever is higher. The scheme needs to be applied to before a tenancy agreement is finalized. This is required as the home needs to be safe and also affordable. The Environmental Health team at the council will also inspect the property.

Advice is also available for other expenses that may be incurred. If the prospective tenant needs further financial assistance to pay for future housing costs, the team at the local office can help with applications to housing benefits. Or if that is not an option, then other government programmes may be assessed as needed.

The bond will only last from 6 to 12 months. During that time-frame the family will need to save money so they can take over the £500 commitment that the authorities made. This also should be done as once the tenancy period has ended, the landlord may ask for a future deposit from the tenant. If that is done, the council will not help them.

The people that need to agree to the Bond Guarantee Scheme include tenants, landlords, as well as the Erewash Borough Council. The applicant needs to be local to the Erewash district. Also, they need to be homeless or threatened by it. The tenant also needs to be in good standing with the council and can’t have damage their previous home or be in debt or tax arrears. The family seeking assistance from this deposit scheme should check that the landlord is willing to use the Bond for payment of up front costs.

At the end of the tenancy agreement, the landlord as well as housing team from the local government office will inspect the home. Any damages beyond fair wear and tear that are made to the home can allow the landlord to make a claim against the deposit from the Bond Guarantee Scheme. If this is done, then the family that rented the home will be responsible to repay the Erewash council.

To apply for deposit help or to get further information on this scheme, people can ring the Housing Options Team. The main phone number is 0115 907 2244. An appointment will need to be made at he office at Town Hall on Wharncliffe Road, Ilkeston, Derbyshire as the council needs to make an assessment of the applicant. The individual seeking help should be prepared to bring documentation such as proof of their income.