Mole Valley bonds for rent deposits from Homechoice Plus scheme

Individuals that do not have the funds to pay a rent deposit on a new home or flat in Mole Valley may be able to get help from a local council scheme. Households on a low income can apply for a bond guarantee, and the money can cover one or more month’s worth of rental costs. The housing advisor can also help the household find and move into a private rented sector accommodation.

The district council provides the Homechoice Plus scheme to individuals or families on a low income. The aim is to assist the homeless or people that are faced with evictions. Note the scheme is limited and priority may be given to certain people, such as the disabled or households with children. The bond is to be used in lieu of a cash deposit, and many landlords from Surrey have agreed to participate in the programme. It will cover rent in advance or deposits that are due, any damages that may be done to the flat, and other fees from the tenant on  new home. So the bond can help pay for a number of housing costs.

People will need to apply to the Mole Valley District Council for the bond and go through an interview process. It is only for individuals, including singles, as well as families with a local connection. Families with past chronic homelessness or cases of rent arrears and evictions will be not eligible for any schemes from the council. To start this process, call 01306 870626.

Applicants need to be on a low income and have no other way to pay the deposit on their own. Proof of income, hardship status, a crisis, and savings must all be provided to the council and the housing advisor. Deposits from the Homechoice Plus scheme will only be for those with a local connection and that have no other funds or resources, including family or friends.

Assistance provided from the Homechoice Plus scheme

If approved, while the council will provide a bond for the deposit, most of the work of finding a property needs to be done by the applicant. Clients can get advice and information from the Housing department on local landlords that may participate in the guarantee scheme, but the prospective tenant needs to be much of the work.

The Mole Valley District Council housing options officer will need to inspect any property that is found by the tenant. All certificates such as for safety and energy need to be inspected and reviewed too. The flat or home selected needs to be affordable and safe to live in, and this is one of the criteria of the Homechoice Plus scheme. The landlord also needs to agree to accept the bond in lieu of a deposit.

After moving into the property, the council will offer ongoing support from a local officer. They will visit the home, inspect it, ensure there is no rent arrears due, and address any other problems. The aim is to prevent any future homelessness from occurring.

At the end of the tenancy, if there is damage to it or rent arrears due, the landlord can make a claim against the bond. If this occurs, then the tenant will need to pay the council for the bond and the funds that were provided to them.

In addition to the scheme, many other housing services are provided by the Mole Valley District Council. They can provide free advice on tenant rights and help the individual address poor conditions in their flat. People with a physical disability that need to move can also get help from both the Housing Assistance Grants as well as the Homechoice Plus scheme, so funds are provided from different sources. The council and housing advisors work to help people move into private rented housing, and stop any future homelessness. Call 01306 870626 for applications on housing solutions.