Rent deposit help schemes in Southampton and Portsmouth

Programmes in the cities of Portsmouth as well as Southampton provide assistance for housing needs, including help paying for rent deposits. Individuals that are homeless and meet low income limits can also receive help from several different services for paying their rent, including private or government schemes. There are numerous charity and government organisations in the greater Hampshire area that provide services to the needy.

There are faith based groups, such as Society of St James, as well as the not-for profit Citizen Advice, that may be able to provide referrals. Each agency works to prevent homelessness and ensure people get access to the rental assistance they need. The schemes are wide ranging, and include everything from bonds to help with a security deposit on new, private accommodations.

With the price of housing in the greater Portsmouth area and nearby cities continuing to increase, many people are struggling to pay their rent on a monthly basis. An increasing percentage of their income is going towards that expense. Some of these schemes may be able to help individuals, including the homeless, afford their housing.

Help with deposit from private charities in organisations in Hampshire

A2T can help those people from the Borough of Basingstoke or Deane that are threatened with homelessness. There are security deposit type bond schemes available for them, if they meet the conditions that are in place. They can also be provided mediation for any issues raised by their landlord. All assistance is run by the local housing authority.

The programme is wide ranging. It can also help those with a disability, individuals with rent arrears due to their landlord, the currently homeless, and others from the area. A2T will always provide clients with an assessment, and then based on that assistance may be provided.

Some of the services include help in applying for housing benefits, numerous Bond Guarantees for paying their deposit, property inspections, and more. Social workers will also help clients find affordable properties to rent in the Hampshire County area. If the agency can’t help, then referrals may be offered. Address is 24a Bernard Street, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 3AY, Phone: 02380224224.

Church based schemes are available. Many faith based groups in Southampton, including Tudor Trust, are partnering together to help the disadvantaged. Residents seeking assistance for their housing needs, whether with a rent deposit or some other concern, can call about the charity organisation they created for support. They provide assistance to people of all religions and faiths, and the churches may have loans or other funds as part of their services. There are many churches that offer rent deposit help in Southampton.

A not-for profit for ex-offenders is Church of Society of St James. There is help for the homeless, drug services provided, and more. While the direct payment of housing benefits and schemes for paying rent or a deposit are offered, it is limited. Clients may get referrals though if and when needed for Hampshire County charities. 125 Albert Road South, Southampton, So14 3FR, or find more details on Society of St. James charity and housing services.

Emergency housing in the county and cities such as Southampton is available. Most of the locations are operated by not-for profits. They offer shelter and other forms of assistance, including some sites have information on deposit schemes for the vulnerable. Find hostels and locate Hampshire emergency accommodations or shelters.

With a focus on young people, No Limits oversees programmes in Southampton. One of them is a Floating Support Project for individuals under the age of 26. Clients can also get help from their rent deposit scheme and other assistance. Some of what is offered in below.

Advisers from the not-profit can provide help with applying for housing benefits and ongoing support. They will also support landlords as well, when needed, and that can be in the form of mediation and bond guarantees. Other aid can include free food, clothes, and other advice. Office is at 24a Bernard Street, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 3AY, t – 02380 224 224. For more information on the services available, more on No Limits housing for youth.

Portsmouth area –  Prospective tenants who meet low income levels can get help as part of a programme offered by Portsmouth Savers Credit Union. The main resource is known as the access bond guarantee scheme, and this helps both tenants and the landlord. It is only for people with a local connection.

Landlords are encouraged to participate as well. For example, there is a free tenant finder service to help them let their flats out. There is protections for them as well if the tenant were not to pay their rent on time. So the services provided are extensive. Civic Offices, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, PO1 2AX, dial 023 9284 1727.

Rethink – Central Point Day Centre – Dozens of services are offered for the homeless and people facing evictions. Clients will meet with staff for an intake and assessment of their needs. A number of other assistance programmes are offered.

Get help with housing needs, disabilities, health care, and more. The organisation also partners with PCC Housing Options as well as Mill House to help people find private accommodations. Some of the financial aid can include loans to pay a rental deposit and applications for government housing benefits. A focus is on families facing homelessness in Portsmouth. Self-referrals are accepted too. 22-24 Kingstone Road, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO1 5RZ, telephone 0300 5000 927.

Step by Step offers structured accommodations with a goal of independent living. There are programmes for people facing poverty, substance abusers, the youth in Portsmouth area, and others. However a focus is on assisting the youth.

Advisers can help clients with paying any rent in advance, offer assessments of client needs, property inspections, and even help with locating housing in the PRS. Other assistance is offered too, including for security deposits and employment. address is 36 Crimea Road, Aldershot, Hampshire, GU11 1UD

Trinity Winchester provides services across Hampshire, including Southampton. Some of the focus of the charity is on assisting women and children with their housing needs, and they provide them with referrals to deposit schemes and temporary accommodations.

Another resource for the homeless is the Bradbury House, which is a local charity centre. There is information on legal advice, free food and clothing. Clients facing poverty can learn about local rent in advance schemes and deposits that are available in the Hampshire area. Read Trinity Winchester housing.

Two Saints, also known as Real Lettings South, provide advice on housing matters, employment, and independent life skills and training. As part of this, clients, including the homeless, can get information on rent schemes, welcome packets for furniture clothing, and applications on grants. There is ongoing support for tenants, including referrals, to help them maintain and pay the rent on their accommodations.

While the individual is applying for a scheme for their deposit, emergency shelter can be arranged by Two Saints in the Hampshire area. This is available for many people, including ex-offenders or the elderly that are on a low income. The temporary housing, when combined with job training and possible council support for rental costs, will help people facing homelessness. The main centre is at 35 Waterside Gardens, Fareham, Hampshire, PO16 8SD. Ring 01329 234600, or find more details on Two Saints housing assistance.

Local council support

Citizens Advice Bureau – There are several centres in Hampshire County, as noted below. The locations can provide information on housing needs, homelessness prevention programmes, and more. Clients can get support for both private and government schemes and help with other needs.

• 3 Kings Park Road, Southampton, Hampshire, SO15 2AT, Telephone – 023 8022 1406.
• Portsmouth Bureau is at Ark Royal House, Winston Churchill Avenue, Portsmouth. This CB office is at 023 92 855 855.
• New Forest, Shop 5, Parklands Place, 39-41 Old New Milton Road, New Milton, Hampshire, BH25 6DJ. Phone – 08444 111 306.
• Leigh Park Centre, Dunsbury Way, Leigh Park, Havant, Hampshire, PO9 5BG, call 0844 856 3407.
• 35 London Street, Andover, Hampshire, SP10 2NU. Telephone number is 01264 365534.

Eastleigh Borough Council – They run different schemes for tenants, including Rent Bonds as well as in-advance services. This form of deposit assistance is available as a loan, in that the tenant needs to repay the bond. More details on these services are below.

The focus is on helping individuals or low income families rent a private accommodation. When they need help during this time, the council may offer them some form of bond guarantee to use as a cash deposit. Many landlords from the area, including in Portsmouth, participate. The focus is on people not in priority need as well as the currently homeless in the area. The schemes may also help families secure deposit payment or maybe get help with their rent in advance that is due. Read more on deposit help in Eastleigh Borough.

Other assistance from the local housing authority, including the Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council, may be as follows. Individuals can get help applying for community care grants, ongoing tenant support, legal aid, and other support. People looking for a tenancy can receive a guarantee of up to £1000 towards a rental deposit on a new, private accommodation. The address of this council is at Civic Offices, London Road, RG21 4AH. Applicants can call 01256 845638, or find help with deposits from Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council.

A bond scheme is provided by Hart District Council. The housing authority tries to assist the homeless in priority need of help. The landlord will be encouraged to rent out private accommodations as they will receive a bond guarantee as a form of cash deposit. Also, individuals or low income families facing homelessness will qualify for legal support on their rights, homeless prevention services, and even furniture or welcome packets when moving into a new flat. Properties can be located outside the council area as well, including in nearby Portsmouth or other towns. Eastleigh Borough Council is located at Civic Offices, Leigh Road, Eastleigh, SO50 9YN. The main number to dial is 02380 688326, or read more Hart District Council scheme for rent deposits.

Housing benefits are available in both Southampton and Portsmouth. The financial aid is for older people, the disabled, or singles. While the government LHA (Housing Benefit) does not directly pay for the rent or damage deposit, the council is more willing to offer financial support. The funds for paying a deposit are for private sector housing.

RDLS from Test Valley Borough Council – They provide loans as part of their Rent Deposit Scheme. This is for private landlords in Hampshire County. The programme is known as RDLS, and it helps pay a deposit and/or the first months rent for people in priority need. They will also arrange contractual agreement with the landlord or their agents in the form of a bond. Many other services are available from the council, and the address is Beech Hurst Weyhill Road, Andover, Hampshire, SP10 3AJ, call 01264 368000, or more on Test Valley housing and deposit schemes.

Winchester operates a scheme with local charities. A project worker from the council and other groups such as the Citizens Advice Bureau provide loans that can be used to pay the rent deposit on a private sector home or flat. Any funds will be issued directly to the landlord, the council needs to approve the tenancy agreement before it is signed, and there are other eligibility conditions in order to get help from the deposit scheme. Learn more on how to get help with rent deposits from Winchester loans.