UK Bill Help

Families or individuals on a low income in North Warwickshire can get deposit help from the Rent Deposit Scheme. The council programme is used by both the homeless as well as people on a low income, and the aim of the scheme is to prevent homeless in the borough.

The scheme not only provides a bond that can be used to guarantee the deposit owed to a landlord, but there is other tenancy support arranged too. Some examples of the support are as follows. The authorities, using barristers and housing specialists, will provide mediation to resolve a dispute between the landlord and tenant. The scheme will also help families find private sector housing that is affordable to them, gives ongoing advice, and other support.

North Warwickshire landlord needs to enroll into this scheme. This means that in order to get assistance from the scheme, the tenant needs to find housing that the landlord owns in which they have agreed to use the bond guarantee. This will limit the type and amount of housing that can be selected in the borough, however it is still possible to get help.

There is a benefit for landlord’s to agree to the bond to pay the deposit from this council scheme. The specialists at the council office will do a reference check on the applicant to ensure their income can afford the rent and that they have good credit scores. Also, the families future rent will be paid directly to the property owner from the tenant’s housing benefit.

Tenants have benefits given to them as well. The North Warwickshire Rent Deposit Scheme not only provides a bond to pay for move in costs, but the tenant gets other support too. They can receive advice on employment and other challenges. Also, many of the tenants that apply to the scheme will also be fast tracked when it comes to assistance from the housing benefit.

Many of the people who get help are vulnerable and have other hardships. There are also applicants (women or children) that are fleeing from domestic abuse or those with a relationship that has broken down. Individuals seeking help in establishing a tenancy agreement may not have a permanent place to live, so they are sofa surfing or living in a car. Other situations may apply too.

The Rent Deposit Scheme will also help families in North Warwickshire that are asked to leave their accommodation, either due to an eviction or maybe the tenancy agreement has expired. If the landlord asks the person to leave the flat (or if their mates asked them to leave) it can often be hard to move on short notice. This is when the council scheme may assist.

Landlords or tenants can apply. The specialists at the Housing Division will meet with the property owner or tenant to assess their needs. All advice given if free and confidential, and the council will not use it in any other way other than housing. Even if at the end of this meeting, if the landlord or tenant is not interested in the deposit scheme (or if they are not eligible) then signposting can still be given to other charities or assistance programmes.

The aim is to always prevent homelessness by the family and allow the landlord to rent the home, which will increase their income. The council will support anyone in the borough who needs assistance for their housing needs.

Applications for the rent deposit scheme can be made to the Housing Division at the North Warwickshire Borough Council. The post for the centre is The Council House South Street, Atherstone, Warwickshire CV9 1DE. For more information, families can ring 01827 719314.