NextStep Rent Deposit Scheme in Surrey

Housing assistance is available in Surrey from the NextStep programme. There are components to the YMCA and Reigate & Banstead Borough Council administered service, including funds for rent in advance as well as deposits, emergency shelter, and advice. The scheme is limited, and it relies on government funding as well as donations from the public.

NextStep can assist both landlord by providing them a tenant for their home, which will increase their income. The programme will also help the low income and homeless in Surrey County as part of this scheme, and it can help get them off the streets or resettle into a safe and affordable home.

Tenants that are eligible for the scheme will be able to move into homes or flats of all types. There are large homes with multiple bedrooms, shared housing, or even single rooms, and the Reigate and Banstead Borough Council coordinates all of this with local landlords. As far as the locations of the properties, homes are in Tandridge, Reigate, and other districts as well.

Landlords benefit in many ways. It is a free service for them, and they will therefore save money on advertising expenses. They will have the deposit guaranteed by NextStep, which will both address any future damage or rent arrears that may occur. In fact, hundreds of local landlords in Surrey take part in the scheme.

The YMCA will also assess the prospective tenants before they sign an agreement for the property. This will help ensure the family or individual moving into the home is responsible, which will also reduce the landlord’s risk.

Another way a landlord will gain from this service is that NextStep will also provide the tenant with ongoing advice and support. So the individual will take part in budgeting classes and other support, which will help reduce the chance of the tenant missing a payment on their rent. So the tenancy will be fully supported by the scheme.

Assistance to tenants from NextStep

This is the primary aim of the scheme, and it can help prevent homelessness. The Reigate and Banstead Borough Council as well as the YMCA partner of this service, and not only can it assist with the deposit, but additional support will help sustain the private sector housing.

All applicants need to be local to Surrey and on a low income, or there is also help for the homeless. Many people that apply are from shelters in the area. Referrals are needed in order to apply for the NextStep scheme, and those can come from the council Housing Department or other charities, such as the YMCA.

There are different types of assistance from NextStep, as noted below. All criteria will need to be met, and a priority is on single people as well as parents.

• For landlords that participate in the scheme, a bond will be issued to assist with the deposit. In some cases, cash may be used for this expense, but it is rare.
• Ongoing advice and tenancy support is arranged, and this will help prevent future homelessness in Surrey.
• Staff can also help the individual find a landlord as well as a home to live in.
• Advice in claiming benefits and also support in negotiating with landlords.
• Before signing a tenancy agreement, the NextStep team will review the paperwork to ensure it is fare.

Many more services are offered as part of NextStep, and this government funded scheme is beneficial to many people in Surrey. There is shelter from Hillbrook House, supported move on accommodations, and other aid. For more information, call 01737 378482, or drop in at Hillbrook House on 68 Brighton Road.