Open Moves deposit assistance from bond scheme in Bradford

The not-for-profit organisation Open Moves helps prospective tenants pay the deposit or rent in advance costs on private sector housing. The financial assistance is combined with other support services to stop homelessness. They partner with the housing authorities in Bradford on a bond scheme which help both the homeless and people threatened by it.

Information is provided on this programme from drop in sessions which are held by the charity. There are workshops held each month. Anyone that is struggling with their housing can learn more on this bond scheme or other support provided by Open Moves at the centre. Or if someone can make it to the drop in session, then an appointment can be made with a specialist from the charity.

Note that any rent deposit or advance payments are only for private rented accommodations in the district. Social housing is covered by other programmes, which is mostly the housing benefit.

Support provided by Open Moves

For families on a low income moving into private sector housing, the bond can help with those costs. It will guarantee either the deposit or rent in advance owed to the landlord, but not both of these expenses. Also, Open Moves has a leaflet with information that can be used to help find safe and affordable housing. While the not-for-profit can provide advice on the process, the tenant is responsible for locating a home in the private sector in the Bradford District.

If found to be eligible for assistance, Open Move will provide the tenant and landlord with a bond guarantee. Based on an assessment done, the guarantee will pay for the deposit for a fixed term. During this time the family needs to save their money each month to take over the bond.

Open Moves may also use a combination of the bond as well as a loan to pay the landlord the rent in advance they need for the flat or home. It will only cover up to a maximum amount. As part of this, the tenant needs to enter into a repayment plan and pay the money back to the charity over time.

Some clients, at the discretion of Open Moves, can get help in resettling into a new home. In these instances open move will only issue a bond for the deposit on the new property. If there is a home available for the applicant, the funds can be provided by the scheme within a few weeks of applying.

Open Moves provides other housing programmes to Bradford District residents as well. If someone is homeless, there can be emergency shelter given to them while they wait on an assessment of their applications for financial aid. Also, the Bond Scheme Officer who is at the drop in centre will continue to provide support to the family in their new tenancy. This can be used to prevent future homelessness.

When applying for the bond scheme, there is no cost to do so. All of the applications are kept confidential as well. While not everyone will be eligible for a bond, it can be used to help a family afford the deposit or other housing costs. For more information, Open Moves has a post of 23-27 Cheapside, City house, Bradford, BD1 4H. Or call 07539 587329.