Neath Port Talbot help with rent deposits

Citizens of Neath Port Talbot are protected from homelessness even when they cannot access private housing on their own. Introduction of a bond guarantee scheme provides an alternative to the traditional cash rent deposit. There are other sources of aid that can enable someone on benefits or low income to gain access to their own home.

Neath Port Talbot Council has pledged support to a bond scheme that protects their citizens from homelessness. Anyone who can afford the monthly rent payment should be able to enter into a new tenancy even if they cannot save an additional month’s rent to pay as a deposit. The scheme addresses the obstacle that a deposit can place on lower income families. It helps to reduce the high barrier that prevents people from gaining access to affordable housing.

When someone contacts the council to ask for help, they are normally referred to the Housing Options team. These specialists are able to assess the abilities of a person to afford to live in the private rented sector. In cases where the resident can afford the rent but has been unable to save money for the deposit, aid can be provided in the form of a bond guarantee.

When a local landlord consents to the guarantee, they no longer require a cash deposit. A new tenancy may begin with an alternative arrangement where the council agrees to cover damages even if the tenant cannot pay.

There are actually several ways to get help with rent deposit.

• Residents may call Housing Options at either 01639 685219 or 01639 685217. An advice surgery can reveal what the person is capable of paying for rent. Neath Port Talbot Housing can match a person with a bond guarantee for deposit. For applicants who are eligible for a social lettings agency, the assistance can go towards the bond or rent in advance. The Housing Options Team at Neath Civic Centre can be contacted by calling 01639 764690 or 01639 764692. A specialist can travel to meet with residents who have difficulty with transportation. Aid is provided through the Bond Guarantee Scheme. The Crisis Smart Move Bond Scheme may be used in situations where prior alcohol or drug problems have been addressed.
• Council can provide additional help through the Discretionary Housing Payment Scheme. Anyone who lacks savings and has experienced a recent hardship could meet the deposit requirement through this service. Enquiries may be made at these locations:
  • Neath One Stop Shop at Neath Civic Centre–Call 01639 686838.
  • Benefits Office at Port Talbot Civic Centre–Call 01639 763454.
• Dewis is a registered charity that operates the Bond Board. This entity also guarantees rent deposits on behalf of clients whose landlords consent to a bond scheme. Enquiries may be made by telephone at 01639 882536 or by visiting the Port Talbot office at 47 Station Road.

Each option works in similar fashion. Applicants must meet eligibility requirements that ensure that only those in the greatest need are able to access aid. They must be a resident of the county borough and have a local connection. They must have low income or receive benefit payments. Savings should be low, or no greater than £500. Finally, they must be capable of paying the normal rent payment for the home that they choose.

An application must be completed and documentation of all household members and their incomes must be confirmed. If a property has been chosen, that landlord must agree to relax the cash requirement or the scheme will not work. A bond guarantee certificate is issued to the landlord at the time that a tenancy is agreed.

Tenants who vacate the property prior to the end of the tenancy will still be responsible for any damages or arrears. They will owe those amounts to the issuer of the bond, whether that is Neath Port Talbot Council or Dewis. The bond can be written for any amount, though it is normally matched to a single month’s rent cost.

Dewis tends to offer bond terms that match the length of the tenancy, and these are renewable if the tenancy is renewed. Council schemes generally run for six months. Housing Options encourages participants to save money with a credit union to use towards an actual cash deposit to be placed once the assured shorthold tenancy has expired.