Slough deposit help from DGS

The damage deposit can often be a barrier to overcome when seeking housing in the private sector. The government DGS – Deposit Guarantee Scheme is a guarantee that tenants and landlords can use to help ensure the family or individual can pay those move in costs. It does not pay any rent in advance or arrears – only the security deposit.

Landlords and tenants’ benefit

The Slough DGS will help both landlords as well as tenants and people seeking to rent. There has been a risk and hesitancy of property owners to offer their properties for rent in the past as many property owners were concerned about their properties being damage. That, when combined with unpaid rental arrears, has caused the inventory of homes and flats to be smaller than it should be.

The council created the Deposit Guarantee Scheme to help increase the inventory in the private rented sector. It has helped more property owners become comfortable that damages will not occur to their home. It also has increased the amount of housing for the vulnerable such as formerly homeless, young people or disabled. As landlords, right or wrong, would often not rent out a property in these cases.

How does DGS help pay damages to a home

The council DGS scheme will pay the landlord funds as the damage deposit when the property is rented. The amount will be agreed upon by the landlord as well as the council. Then, if the tenant were to damage the property, the landlord would keep that money to fix or repair their home. If the tenant does not damage the property, then the money is returned to the council at the end of the tenancy agreement.

The council and landlord need to agree to the amount pre-paid. This process involves an inventory of the property being completed. It will factor in fridges, window coverings, boilers, kitchen appliances, paint and walls, heating units, cabinetry, floors, and more.

A statement will be created by the council, and if both parties are to the inventory as well as the amount the damage deposit should cover, funds will be given to the landlord. A signed contract will be in place.

The damages that DGS pays for will need to have been malicious. Normal wear and team is not paid by the Slough council. Both the landlord and council will agree to this.

Another benefit to the landlord is the Slough council will then help the property owner rent out the home or flat, including using the Local Housing Allownace (LHA) if needed. They will try to find a tenant who meets income and other criteria. If/when this occurs, up to a 12 month tenancy agreement will be signed. This helps the landlord great cash for their property and reduce times when it may be vacated – not let.

DGS is often combined with the council Incentive Scheme (IS). This will provide a property owner financial help in return for signing a 24 months tenancy agreement with a council approved family. A one time payment will be made. IS can also be used for council as well as LHA properties.

Information or applying

The Slough Council Social Lettings team runs the Deposit Guarantee Scheme (DGS). Both landlords and prospective tenants can ring them. The number is 01753 787846 or call 01753 875522.