Assistance with rent security deposits in Somerset from tenant schemes

Charities as well as the government across Somerset provide rent deposit assistance to the homeless and tenants facing eviction. The organisations can provide help to individuals in the form a schemes for paying a deposit, bond guarantees, loans and other housing support services. Low income families or the vulnerable can also turn to a local council or not-for profit for referrals to other private or government security deposit programmes.

The eligibility requirements for each scheme will vary. Some focus on the homeless or younger people. While other assistance is for people with a disability or mental health issue. However, in all cases, any rent help offered or support is only for individuals on a low income.

Not only can financial aid be provided to pay for a rental deposit on a new private accommodation, but the charities as well as local government councils will also arrange ongoing tenant support. This is done in an effort to break the cycle of homelessness in Somerset. The volunteers and specialists from the local organisations want the client to gain the life skills needed to live independently in the future.

Rent deposit and financial help from churches or charities

Bond Guarantee schemes are provided from churches in North Somerset. They partner with a charity known as WDGB in an effort to resettle the homeless and to assist others on a low income with their rent or deposit costs. People can also work with volunteers to get referrals to support services to address their housing problems. The churches operate from a local drop in centre, and individuals need to stop by the office to apply for help with their deposits or get other assistance. Find more on the churches and WDGB deposit bond guarantee scheme.

DHI Developing Health and Independence – This charity works with people on gaining independent living. Those who can receive some form of rent help include the mentally ill, homeless, unemployed, and ex-offenders. As part of the housing services, clients can obtain applications for a housing allowance. There is also referrals to security deposit schemes, signposting for education, information on budgeting loans, and other support.

After tenancy is achieved, there is even furniture available. Individuals will also be given ongoing support and guidance as part of the charities client’s services. Address is 15/16 Milsom Street, Bath BA1 1DE, call 01225 478730.

Elim Connect Centre places individuals into short term housing, such as the Direct Access Community hostel in Mendip. While at the center the client can meet with a social worker to address the cause of their financial hardship. The hostel will provide people time to save money for a deposit and the staff can help with applications to council schemes.. More on Elim Connect Centre programmes.

North Somerset based Keysteps offers many housing assistance programmes, including bonds for paying rent deposits. They also arrange short term accommodations for the homeless, form filing services for welfare, and tenants can get free furniture as well as white goods. Ongoing Support is also given to people that receive help with their rent deposit, and that service will help them stay stable in their new home or flat. Find more financial aid from Keysteps.

SmartMove partners with the local homelessness association. Together they run a deposit guarantee or rent deposit scheme for the homeless and people facing poverty. There is also support for ex-offenders, people with substance misuse problems, and other challenges. Both landlords and tenants can take part in mediation services, benefit from the deposit schemes, and ideally the person will be placed into some type of private accommodations. 90-95 East Reach, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 3HF, Telephone 01823 271326

Government schemes in Somerset County

Council deposit loans are available on all towns and cities in Somerset. Credit Unions as well as the government may provide funds. The money will only be to pay rent deposit costs for private flats or homes. More on council loans to help pay housing.

Mendip District Council and the YMCA provides both short term accommodation as well as a bond scheme. Landlords in the private sector can benefit from this guarantee offered by the organisation.

In addition to above, there is also a Rent in advance Scheme available. It will usually cover up to one months worth of housing costs. It can be for the homeless and people facing eviction. All applications are reviewed on a case by case basis by a local Housing Options Officer.

Other resources may be available for individuals on a low income, and that includes help for the deposit. This is paid using a bond in lieu of a cash payment. Landlords will have confidence the tenant will be solid as a result of this programme. The council will guarantee the deposit for those that qualify from the Mendip district. Address is Cannards Grave Road, Shepton Mallet, BA4 5BT

Other assistance is for couple without children or single homeless people. Many clients are unemployed and have had their housing allowance cut. Mendip YMCA will provide services, such as support plans, mediation and Bond Guarantees, to these clients for their housing needs. The Old Glasshouse, South Street, Wells, Somerset, BA5 1SL, T – 01749 679553. Read more Mendip housing services.

Homeless prevention in North Somerset includes eviction help, legal aid, and rent deposit help for private housing. The council links the low income as well as homeless to resources. For information, the council phone number is 01934 426 885.

Swan Advice Network, which is located in the Bath and District, offers schemes to help individuals on a low income move into new, private accommodations. There is assistance for families, individuals, and others, such as the homeless. Some of the conditions of any aid include the Deposit Bond programme will only be an option for people that qualify for a housing benefit or allowance. In addition, the applicant needs to live in North East Somerset or Bath. Many prospective tenants can get help from the SWAN deposit bond guarantee.

People will also be offered free advice by the district and get help in locating an affordable PRS property. Call the office for hours and availability of the scheme. Swan Advice Network, Leigh House, 1 Wells Hill, Radstock, Bath, 01761 432445.

Taunton Association for Homeless People also runs a Bond Scheme. This is for people over the age of 18, including families. Clients can also get help in applying for housing benefits and the Bond Guarantees. Referrals are needed from Sedgemoor District or Taunton Deane Borough Councils.

Staff from TAH can help the housing vulnerable both find a property and pay the deposit on it. Many landlords from Somerset partner with the charity on this service. The homeless can also find a room at a hostel that is run by the organisation and the YMCA. The Taunton Association bond scheme has assisted hundreds of homeless and individuals in priority need. The address of their main centre is at 90-91 East Reach, Taunton, Somerset, TA1 3HF. Telephone number for information is 01823 271326.

Woodspring provides coverage in the North Somerset area. The homeless can get help from a Guarantee Board on their security deposit. In addition, housing advisors will work with homeless in an effort to place them into some form of permanent accommodation. In addition to the bond, which is known as WDGB, there are services for landlords, free advice to tenants on many issues, and other tenant support services. Rooms 1/2 St John’s Hall, The Boulevard Weston-super-Mare, BS23 1NA, Telephone 01934 617617.