Oasis Aquila deposit help from Bond Scheme in Tyne and Wear

Residents of Tyneside that have housing barriers, and that are not priority from any council schemes, may be able to get help with their deposit from the Oasis Aquila Bond Scheme. An independent, faith based charity provides this support to the homeless or individuals that are faced with difficulties.

After applying for assistance from Oasis Aquilla Housing, and assessment will take place with a specialist from the charity. The amount of aid provided is limited, so not all applicants can be accepted. For those that are found eligible for the scheme, the process for housing assistance is as follows.

First, a team will help the family find safe and affordable housing in the Tyneside area, with a priority on the city of Gateshead. The property needs to be in the private sector, meaning landlords need to agree to the bond guarantee to use for the deposit costs.

If the prospective tenant may not be able to afford the future rent payments on the home, then Oasis Aquilla can assist with applying for housing benefits or even the Universal Credit. Both of these central government funds can be used as a source of funds.

Once the property has been found, the property will be inspected. The aim is to ensure it is safe to live in as well as clean. This all needs to be done before the damage deposit will be paid. The quality of housing in Tyneside can vary so the specialists at OABS will do their checks on behalf of the tenant. If the home passes this assessment, then additional support is given to the household on obtaining gas safety certificates.

Once all of this has been done, the last step is the Bond Guarantees. An agreement will need to be entered into by the landlord, tenant, and Oasis Aquilla Housing. This bond is used to pay the deposit that the landlord requires. The guarantee can last for up to 12 months.

The Oasis Aquila Bond Scheme process will also help the family set up their new home. It can be difficult to come up with the cash needed for a deposit as well as other costs for establishing a tenancy. Those range from furniture to white goods or bedding. So this is offered too.

If a new tenant speeds too much money on those household goods, then this can get them off on the wrong path to stability. Families will therefore be directed to charity shops for gently used furniture or recycling centres in Tyneside. There are also referrals to furniture schemes in the area. All of these options will provide what is needed to a new household.

OABS can also help pay administration fees. Some letting agents or other individuals that are involved in locating housing may charge this. This is just one more bill that families on a low income can struggling with paying, so financial aid is provided for that as well. Whether the property is in Gateshead or another city in Tyne and Wear, support may be offered.

Some people in Tyne and Wear may need additional cash as well. Once someone has been accepted into the Oasis Aquila Bond Scheme, then additional advice can be provided on applying for loans or charitable grants. While the charity will never recommend borrowing money for paying certain bills or a deposit, if it is done carefully, it can provide the household more money. Find additional sources of loans.

Since the aim is to prevent homeless, ongoing tenancy support is also given by Oasis Aquila Bond Scheme. There is no reason to help a resident with the deposit by itself as many people need much more. So OABA will offer information on education as well as employment in Tyneside.

For more information, the scheme is run from a resource centre at 336 High Street, Gateshead, NE8 1EN. The phone number is 0191 499 8020.