South Kesteven District help from rent deposit scheme

Anyone that is homeless or needs to resettle in the South Kesteven District can apply for two different schemes. The council can provide a low interest rate loan that can be used for paying a rent in advance payment, and they also offer both landlords and tenants the use of a bond for the deposit.

Deposits are covered by the council bond scheme. This is a form of insurance that is made between the landlord, tenant, and housing authority. It will be issued as a written agreement that the support team from South Kesteven creates between all these groups. It will have the legal terms and other conditions of what each group needs to do.

The deposit will only cover any damage that may occur to the property during the tenancy agreement. This particular council scheme will not allow the bond to be used for any future rent arrears. So the programme is more restrictive than others.

If the landlord makes a claim to the bond at any time during the agreement, the authorities will investigate the situation. If there are any damages beyond normal wear or tear then the tenant will need to ultimately reimburse the council for the funds that they issued to the property owner.

Low interest loans will be issued to the applicant as part of this council scheme as well, if requested. This money will be required to be used for any rent in advance payment that is due from the landlord. Or it can even cover the entire first months payment, provided the home selected is affordable. So the loan covers additional housing costs.

The South Kesteven District council will require the person to agree to a repayment plan. It will normally be over 12 months, but exceptions can be made. The loan will have interest on it that needs to be repaid, but the rare will be low.

Ongoing advice and support is also provided by the South Kesteven Council. The team at the office will partner with both the tenant and landlord to address any issues that come up. The organisation will offer mediation services if there are disputes.

If the tenant needs further financial support during their tenancy agreement, then the council can be contacted for that as well. They will help with any employment challenges or debts that the renter falls into. The ultimate aim is to prevent a future homeless event.

The team at the South Kesteven District Council will also help families on a low income apply for a housing benefit. This will allow the person to pay future rental costs on their home in the private sector. It is the District’s main housing programme, and when it is combined with the deposit scheme, the two of them can go a long ways towards helping the homeless and low income.

Anyone who wants to apply needs to request advice from the Housing Options team to begin with. The support worker will assess the needs of the resident. Proof of income and other need will be required. All applications to the South Kesteven council will be assessed based on merit. If the housing team thinks someone is eligible for the deposit scheme or a loan, then an application will be given to them at that time. The team may even help the person find private housing that meets the eligibility conditions of the scheme. For more information, ring the South Kesteven main office at 01476 40 60 80.