UK Bill Help

Families that are local to the city of Gloucester that are on a low income or benefits, and that are also part of the Homeseeker Scheme register, may be able to get help in paying the rent deposit on a private sector home. The assistance is being provided by the council because of the shortage of social housing and other permanent accommodations in the area. By helping a prospective tenant pay a deposit on a new flat, this Tenancy Sector Procurement Scheme scheme should help reduce homelessness in the city.

The scheme is run in partnership with landlords. They will need to agree to participate. The main advantage for them is the Gloucester City Council will help them find a tenant for their home and will therefore increase their income.

The scheme will also lessen the risk to the landlord in letting to a client as the council will cover any damage to the home, rent arrears, or a breach of tenancy. So the private sector landlord will both gain more money for entering into the scheme and the risk of damage is much less.

Components of the Tenancy Sector Procurement Scheme

There are several steps taken. The City Council will review the financial condition of the applicant. There will be an interview done and a review of their income to determine if the individual is eligible for any assistance. Also, the landlord can also obtain their own tenant references to ensure that the prospective renter is solid. The council will advise the landlord to do this before entering into a tenancy agreement. By both parties taking these steps it will lower the risk of a future eviction.

Many types of private housing can be part of the Procurement Scheme. Landlords may have one room flats or houses with many bedrooms they enroll, and families can select them. So the number of homes to select from in Gloucester City is extensive.

When applying, people should know that any rent deposit help is only for housing in the private rented sector. The applicant needs to be on a low income, benefits, and also be part of the Gloucestershire Homeseeker Scheme. There is also priority for homeless residents with a connection to the city.

The funds from the Tenancy Sector Procurement Scheme will pay for up to eight weeks of rent. This will be split between the deposit and and rental in advance payments that are due. So there is extensive amount of assistance provided.

The home selected by the tenant also needs to meet council criteria. This means that the future rent must be affordable. In most cases, a tenant will be using a housing benefit to pay that expense, so the family will often must be on benefits or applying for it.

The property selected also needs to be safe to live in. This includes gas certificates need to be received by the Gloucester City, and the property needs to pass an inspection. The council wants to ensure any tenant is safe in the future.

So while there are many criteria for the Gloucester City Tenancy Sector Procurement Scheme, this may be one programme that can assist with a deposit or other needs of a family. More information is at 01452 396514.