Kettering Council bond schemes for deposit

The council in Kettering partners with landlords of private housing as well as prospective tenants on a number of housing assistance programmes. The primary scheme for assisting with a deposit is available as part of a bond guarantee, and this is for the low income as well as people that are sleeping rough in the district.

The deposit help can also be used as a homeless prevention tool, as what will occur is the bond from the council can be used by the resident to help them move into a more affordable home in the town of Northampton. So both current tenants that need to move as well as the homeless can apply to the Kettering Council bond scheme.

Information on how the scheme works

It needs to involve both landlords and people looking to rent a home. Both of those groups will need to participate with the council on the scheme. Landlords need to agree to using the bond instead of a cash deposit, and tenants will also need to agree to all of the criteria that are set in place by the council.

For those that are approved by the Kettering Housing Options Team, the scheme will cover up to one month worth of rental expenses. This guarantee is issued in the form of a certificate to the landlord, and it stays in effect for up to 12 months.

Landlords have many advantages to participating. It does not cost them any money, so there are no fees or expenses involved to enroll, and the council will help them let their home by providing a steady stream of potential tenants. Also, the Housing Options Team will interview the applicant to ensure they are a strong candidate for private sector tenancy. They will explain all the obligations and rights, so this will help limit the risk to the landlord in letting to that screened individual.

It is only for a certain area as well. Private landlords will need to have some type of property in Northampton, and they need to agree to act in a responsible and lawful manner when dealing with the tenant.

Tenants will of course benefits as well. The number one advantage is they will get their rent deposit paid for by the bond. However, there are many other advantages to using this scheme from the Kettering Council. They will receive information on housing benefits for low income tenants and other support from the council’s gateway service.

The programme needs to be entered into before any tenancy agreement is signed. This is required as the council will need to ensure that the home is safe and affordable to live in. Also, the tenant will need to have enough of an income, or benefits, that will cover the future rent expenses.

Another advantage to using the Kettering Council bond scheme for the security deposit is the Housing Options Team will also inspect the home that is to be let. This process will ensure it is safe and that any repairs that need to be made by the landlord are in fact completed.

The council will also help the tenant apply for any other number of schemes, both the national Local Housing Allowance as well as other benefits. The aim is to ensure that there is always a minimal delay in any type of housing payments, so the fast track service will be used to ensure this happens.

More information can be obtained by stopping by the Municipal Offices of the council. The address is Bowling Green Road in Kettering. Or people can ring 01536 410333.