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Residents that need help in coming up with the funds for a new tenancy in Huntingdonshire can apply to the council for their Rent Deposit Scheme. If the individual meets the criteria that are in place, they may be able to borrow the money from the council at a low interest rate, and this will provide them the assistance they need for paying the deposit or other rental costs due to the landlord. Or they can explore the bond that can guarantee their housing expenses.

The council can also provide many other services to individuals that are homeless or threatened by it, with the aim of placing them into either social housing or a flat in the private market. The loan is just one solution, but the housing specialists from the council also provide free advice, information on homes that are available in the private rented sector to let, and other support to prospective tenants.

Details on the services provided by the council in Huntingdonshire

The Huntingdonshire council can provide applications and advice in applying for the Housing Benefit. This can help the tenant pay future rent that is due, and it can also be used with the scheme for the deposit payment. So the two progammes can be combined to help the family or individual gain housing stability.

Free advice is always provided from the Housing Officer at the main office. The individual can call them to schedule an appointment, and a number of issues can be addressed as part of the process. Whether someone is homeless or threatened by eviction, the officer will provide information on charity programmes, job training, workshops for debt arrears, and any other housing services that are available. If needed, they can arrange a mediation session with the landlord to agree to some type of payment plan.

As indicated above, the loan from the Rent Deposit Scheme is available. While there may be some interest due, in other cases the council will provide the money interest-free to the person seeking a tenancy. There are terms that need to be followed, and they are as follows.

The applicant needs to be on a low income and have a local connection to Huntingdonshire, and they need to have found a suitable home or flat before applying for a loan. The property selected needs to be affordable, and the tenant will need to be able to pay the rent on their own in the future. They also need to agree to the repayment terms, which will usually be over 12 months, and also, the applicant can’t have any previous debts due to the council.

In some cases, based on the applicants financial condition, they may not be eligible for a loan or the council may run out of funds as resources are limited. But in these cases, the council will review other solutions. There may be other programmes available for getting the funds for the rent deposit, and there is a bond guarantee scheme that some landlords agree to as well. This is a form of insurance that encourages the landlord to let to an individual as it helps guarantee both the deposit as well as damage to the property will be paid for.

If a bond is used, note the applicant will be liable for the amount of the deposit that is due if there is damage to the property. An advantage of it is by using the bond, the prospective tenant can use it to borrow less money from the council, which could save them money.

The council also partners with landlords on a programme known as Homes to Let. This allows them to list flats, homes, and private accommodations, and people seeking tenancy can use this service to find an affordable home.

The aim of the Huntingdonshire council schemes and services above is to place families and individuals into high quality, privately-rented homes. This is often possible, where it not for the payment of the deposit that is often required by the landlord. So the loan scheme, or some other form of bonds, can help overcome this barrier. To find more information, the council or Housing Advice and Options Officer can be called at 01480 388218, or drop in at the office.