Pembrokeshire rent deposits & bond guarantee scheme

Locals who cannot enter private housing in Pembrokeshire often share a common dilemma. They are unable to come up with the funds necessary for rent deposit and advance rent. Thanks to a bond scheme and other supportive programmes, there are ways for lower income persons to access private rental housing even when they lack the necessary savings to do so on their own.

Pembrokeshire County Council

Council provides advice to those who have been unable to produce the rent deposit necessary to move into private housing. The Housing Options Team advises people that have a connection to Pembrokeshire that are having trouble obtaining affordable housing.

Housing Options will discuss any possibility of Council housing or a referral to a Housing Association. A full budget disclosure will give them additional insight over finances and the ability to afford a home at a given market rate. Requests to meet with the Housing Options Team may be made by calling 01437 764551. Surgeries are available at County Hall in Haverfordwest.

Sometime clients are informed that they likely qualify for additional assistance with the rent deposit. This advice is provided when it is determined that a private home is a good match for their needs and it is affordable, but the person cannot save enough to pay the rent deposit. In these situations, Housing Options typically refers clients to PATH which can help with a deposit guarantee scheme.

Pembrokeshire Action for The Homeless

Pembrokeshire Action for The Homeless (PATH) is a service of the Pembrokeshire Care Society. PATH operates the Bond Certificate Guarantee Scheme for local residents who need help with rent deposit.

This is not an actual bond but it works in a similar manner. As a bond guarantee, it provides the landlord with a certificate that carries a promise to cover charges that are left over after the tenant vacates the home.

Charges can include damages to the home or to appliances. If there are arrears owed then the landlord may not file a claim to recoup those funds. As this damage-only bond excludes arrears, the landlord would still be able to pursue repayment from someone who vacates the home prior to the stated end of the tenancy. Some landlords may be wary to accept the bond guarantee instead of an actual cash deposit since there is no protection against arrears owed by the tenant. Still, there are many who appreciate the ability to reduce the time that the home is vacant between tenancies. The bond scheme helps to reduce vacancies while assisting tenants to get housed more quickly.

PATH uses a resettlement package to help those who need outside assistance with moving into a new home. Each resettlement package may include a bond scheme depending on the situation of the applicant. There are four separate bond schemes that can be included within a resettlement package:

• U18 Bond Certificate Scheme
• Adult Bond Scheme
• Extended Bond Certificate Scheme
• Probation Bond Certificate Scheme

Applicants may contact PATH at 0800 783 5001 (freephone) or 01437 765335 to request an interview. An adviser can also provide access to the Furniture Grant Scheme for those who lack the basic furnishings missing from an unfurnished home.