South Norfolk Council Rent Advance and Deposit help

Individuals seeking to move into a home in the private sector in South Norfolk can apply for help from schemes such as the Rent in Advance and Deposit, or RADS, and also access other housing programmes. The council has created various services to help the low income that are threatened by homelessness, and there is also assistance for people sleeping rough as well as those that do not have any other housing options available to them.

The South Norfolk Council and its RADs scheme is available as a loan to eligible families in the district. While the money will need to be repaid, the interest rate will either be very low or it will be set to zero. So this helps make it more affordable for borrowers.

RADS will assist with both the rent in advance payments that are due as well as any security deposit that the landlord may require. The scheme is limited to people on a low income and that meet other eligibility criteria of the council. While exceptions can be made based on an assessment of the council, financial help is usually for the following.

• Deposit assistance is for people on the South Norfolk Home Options housing register, and this needs to be done in advance.
• All applicants will need to be age 16 or older.
• Individuals that have committed fraud with the council in the past, or that are in debt on past housing expenses, will not be eligible.
• All applicants will also need to be on a low income.
• The home selected needs to be affordable, and the tenancy agreement needs to be reviewed by the council in advance.

Anyone who is provided support from the Rent in Advance and Deposit Scheme (RADS) will need to maintain the tenancy over time as well, and also keep the home safe and maintain it. If there is future damage to it, then the repairs will need to be paid for by the tenant. So the council will require people to attend sessions on budgeting and access job training to maximise their income. Ongoing advice will be given to the tenant if they need it.

The home also needs to be approved by the South Norfolk Council, however the team can help the person find a flat to live in. The council has lists of Accredited Landlords, and they can refer prospective tenants to the Greater Norwich Landlord Accreditation Scheme or the Eastern Landlords Association (EAL). Mutual exchanges are also available for both homeowners and tenants. All of these groups will have homes that are part of the RADs scheme, which will make the letting process easier for the tenant.

The South Norfolk Council will also advise individuals to consider all of the housing options available, whether it is in the private sector or social housing. All solutions should be reviewed in an effort to avoid homelessness, as both private and council schemes may be the best chance of being re-housed.

Certain residents on a low income may qualify for the assistance above, or other support to help them rent a property. People should call the customer support team to learn more. The main phone number is 8081682222.