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There is help in locating and moving into housing, including paying for any rent in advance or deposits that are due. Assistance is provided from schemes that are for people with a local connection to Ryedale, and the council will partner with the tenant and landlord on Bond Guarantees and other deposit solutions.

Private housing has been shown to be a better option for many families and individuals on a low income due to the fact that housing association flats in the area are limited. However many people are struggling to come up with the deposit that is due for the private rented sector homes, so the Ryedale District Council is trying to help. This was the aim of the Bond Guarantees scheme, and it was created to assist with the rent deposit or other fees that a landlord required.

Criteria for assistance with deposits

While all individuals can receive advice from the council, when it comes to financial aid for a deposit, the council has limited funds and applicants need to meet various criteria to apply. There are also other charities available by referrals, such as Ryedale YMCA Foyer at 01653 600666 and the Cambridge Center in Scarborough at 01723 367475.

When seeking an accommodation, letting agents can work with the client to find safe and affordable housing in the area. There are many flats available in the area, including Malton and other towns in North Yorkshire, and many Ryedale landlords that the council partners with own multiple properties and have agreed to participate in the scheme. Landlords of private homes even have incentives to let to an individual on a low income.

The landlords may ask the tenant for a guarantor or references to help lessen their risk for letting. It may be required for people with a poor credit history, past homelessness or recent unemployment. This guarantor will be responsible for the rent if the individual falls into arrears. When the Ryedale deposit scheme is combined with the guarantor, then many landlords have further incentive to enter into a tenancy agreement as their risk is reduced.

Housing costs paid by the Ryedale schemes

Prospective tenants can get help for a number of different costs. The council can help with a rent in advance as part of the bond guarantee. There may also be funds for legal or application fees, and the deposits will also be able to assist with the deposit.

Once the individual has moved into their new accommodations, the housing benefit will then be able to assist the tenant with their future rental costs that are due. If more information is needed on the benefit application process, call the Housing Options Team and they can assist with the applications and answer questions. In some cases they can Fast Track a Housing Benefit. So there are a number of solutions available to people in the Ryedale area.

Individuals that use this schemes will also have access to ongoing tenancy support and advice. The Housing Options Team works to prevent future homelessness, so the specialists are there to provide any other help that is needed, whether employment or budgeting advice.

The council will provide housing services such as landlord and tenant mediation on payment plans if the tenant falls into arrears. They can advise the tenant on their legal rights and responsibilities, and help them access job training to maximize their income. So various services are provided to tenants.

Charities from Ryedale also partner with the council on homeless prevention services, and they may also have their own rent deposit schemes for individuals on a low income. These will normally only be as a last resort, when someone is not eligible for any other benefits or council programmes.

People that are homeless or seeking new accommodations should call the Ryedale District Council at 01653 600666. The team can help families in need. The main office is located at Ryedale House PO Box 66, Old Malton Road.