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The city of Salford Housing Option team runs a bond guarantee scheme that is aimed at preventing homelessness. It works by helping prospective tenants who do not have enough cash with paying the deposit on private sector housing. In addition, at the council’s discretion, there may be additional financial aid provided for a portion of any rent in advance that is due on the flat that is located in Salford.

Once the family or individual has found a property to rent, at that point they can seek assistance from the council. The individual should never enter into a tenancy agreement until the authorities have assessed the application and have taken other actions, such as inspected the home. If a resident needs help in locating a private property that is local to the city of Salford, in some cases the authorities can assist with that as well.

Priority for this deposit guarantee is for certain people in the city. The criteria include some or all of the following. The applicant needs to be homeless or threatened by it. They also need to be on a low income, over the age of 18, and/or on benefits. Also, the bond will prioritize those that are in housing need, such as the disabled, a person with a mental challenge, or a victim of domestic abuse.

Only certain homes in the city are part of the bond scheme. The private sector housing needs to be accredited or in the process of being done. The property owner also needs to agree to give the tenant all legal rights in accordance with government regulations. Also, the landlord will need to agree to this form of payment as they will not be receiving any cash. Rather the Salford City council is just guaranteeing the deposit that would otherwise be billed to the prospective tenant.

The Salford Bond scheme is for long term housing and encouraging the use of private accommodation. The tenant needs to live there for at least 18 months. This is longer that most of these other schemes in other boroughs or cities across the country. The reason this is being done in Salford is the longer tenancy agreement will keep the person stable for more months and they will generally also be less likely to damage the flat if they are living there for a long period.

After a request has been approved by the City of Salford council, all parties need to enter into this agreement. The different steps taken by each group is below. This needs to be done before the scheme will be able to assist with the deposit for the flat.

-The tenant will agree they are responsible for any damage to the home or rent arrears.
-Landlords will agree to the guarantee in place of cash.
-The local authorities also will agree to do all they can to help the individual sustain their tenancy.

After this has been done the payment be made. The guarantee will cover up to one month of rent expenses on the property. So it can be used for the deposit or rental in advance payment, whichever is more effective. There is a maximum payment though as the council will only use this for an affordable home in the city.

During the course of the month tenancy agreement, the Bond Officer in Salford or their team can enter and inspect the home. They will also offer the tenant other free advice to help them maintain the property and keep up with the rent. After 18 months, the renter will be responsible for any damage or arrears on the property.

For more information, the Housing Options Team and Bond Officer are at Unity House, Chorley Road, Swinton, M27 5AW. Call the centre at 0161 794 4711.