Nuneaton and Bedworth Council assistance from bond scheme

When entering into a private tenancy agreement in the Nuneaton and Bedworth district, many families have trouble in coming up with the funds for the deposit or rent costs. The council can help by providing eligible residents, and participating landlords, a bond guarantee that will cover the cost of these move in expenses.

The programme from the council, known as the Bond Assistance Scheme, is for homes or flats in the private rented sector. Any assistance provided by the council is at their discretion, and the amount of the bond will also be decided by them. In some cases, it can pay up to one month of a deposit or rent in advance cost, which can make a substantial difference in whether the tenant can rent the home or not.

Eligibility conditions Nuneaton and Bedworth Council for bond

There are many criteria put into place by the council, and in some cases, an application will be denied. In these instances, the housing options team will try to signpost the resident to other charities or programmes in the Nuneaton and Bedworth district, however there are no guarantees to receive any form of help. To apply, the following need to be met.

• The applicant needs to be on the local housing allowance (LHA) or have a low income.
• Bonds are only for people over the age of 18 and local to the borough.
• The family or individuals needs to be threatened with homelessness, in priority housing need, or close to homelessness.
• The landlord needs to agree to the Bond Assistance Scheme and register for it.
• Tenants will need to save money and budget so they can take over the deposit over time.
• The home needs to be affordable and the rent covered by housing allowance, or the families income.

The property selected can be furnished or unfurnished, and this will not impact how the bond scheme works. The only difference will be is an inventory will be taken, and this information will be provided to the council and added as part of the tenancy agreement.

Amount of help from the Bond Assistance Scheme

If after an assessment and application, if all of the criteria are met, the council may decide to assist the resident. A paper guarantee, or bond, that lasts up to two years will be provided to the landlord, and this is used instead of cash for paying the rent deposit. While it is rare for the council and this scheme to pay the rent in advance that is due, the customer service team at the council can provide other suggestions for this cost.

This will protect the landlord against any damage to the home, and limit their risk. The bond from the Nuneaton and Bedworth Council will also cover any rent arrears on the property, so the property owner is protected against that as well.

As it is a paper guarantee, there is a maximum amount that it will cover. The Nuneaton and Bedworth Council will cover at most £500, as resources allow. The scheme is voluntary, and the council does not need to provide assistance, and the prospective tenant can back out as well. For example, if the resident does not want to agree to terms on saving money or maintaining the home, then they do not need to participate in the scheme.

Other aid is also given by the council. They will offer help and advice in completing Housing Benefit forms, the funds can increase the amount of choice the family has when seeking a home, the programme is free to sign up for, and ongoing tenancy support is given. So the housing options team offers much more than just the bond. To apply, or for more information, call (024) 7637 6376.