North Lanarkshire RDG Scheme

One of the primary tools of North Lanarkshire Council to defeat homelessness is the Rent Deposit Guarantee (RDG) scheme. This special bond service can relax cash requirements of a new tenancy provided that the tenant can afford to make ongoing monthly payments. It is essentially a waiver of the rent deposit that allows for people that lack sufficient savings the opportunity to still enter the private rented sector.

A worse option is borrowing money at a high rate of interest. High Street lenders might get someone into a home, but then they are unable to pay their bills due to the huge interest payments required.

The RDG scheme is intended to help those who are vulnerable and potentially desperate to find a place to live. In fact, the Council requires that someone be at risk of homelessness in order to participate. Someone could be currently homeless or about to lose their residence. Those in temporary accommodation could be excellent candidates for the service.

Essentially anyone on a low income who does not have savings to make a deposit may apply for the scheme. It works for any private home in North Lanarkshire which is managed by a registered landlord that agrees to the terms of the bond guarantee.

The expectation is that a tenant is able to pay their own rent and save towards a future deposit within six months. The bond certificate will specify the limited timeframe for the guarantee. A tenant that needs longer than six months to save for a future bond may request a renewal of the agreement.

The RDG scheme is not just for tenants. It also is intended to protect landlords who want to be able to rent out properties to more people yet need protection from potential damages caused by careless tenants. Some landlords believe that lower income tenants are more likely to cause damages and are thus unwilling to approve a new tenancy without a sufficient cash deposit. Still, since the Council guarantees to reimburse landlords for damages, this option is just as good as cash. Additionally, there is no requirement to use a deposit scheme to guarantee the funds as would be necessary with a cash balance.

To be considered for the RDG scheme or other options, potential applicants should enquire with the local housing office. Each is staffed with a Housing Officer who can assist with residential solutions. Here are the offices that can assist.

• Airdrie Housing Office is on Gartlea Road. Telephone is 01236 758035.
• The Bellshill First Stop Shop is on 26 Motherwell Road. Telephone is 01698 332340.
• The Coatbridge Housing Office is on 195 Main Street. Telephone is 01236 812561.
• Cumbernauld First Stop Shop is on 2 Tryst Road. Telephone is  01236 632726.
• Kilsyth First Stop Shop is on Parkfoot Street. Telephone is 01236 828120.
• Moodiesburn First Stop Shop is on Blackwoods Crescent. Telephone is 01236 638888.
• Motherwell First Stop Shop is on 7 Scott Street. Telephone is 01698 274135.
• Shotts First Stop Shop is on 162-164 Station Road. Telephone is 01501 824747.
• Viewpark First Stop Shop is on 135 Burnhead Street. Telephone is 01698 403700.
• Wishaw Housing and Social Work Services is on 236 Main Street. Telephone is 01698 302920.

Documentation of household income and benefit payments should be brought along with any other proof of need. A budget will need to be summarised based on estimated monthly costs so that the ability to afford monthly rent payments can be verified.

The amount of the bond cannot exceed one month’s rent. This is capped by the Local Housing Allowance.

The bond cannot be used in cases where the tenancy agreement has already been signed. Additional questions should be shared with the Housing Officer at the time of appointment.