Stevenage Rent Deposit Scheme from Housing Advice and Homelessness Department

Residents facing evictions within 30 days, or the currently homeless, can apply to the Rent Deposit Scheme from the Stevenage Borough Council. The government, partnering with charities and private landlords, works to end homelessness in the area.

People that currently have a tenancy agreement, but are in arrears on their rent, can use the scheme to pay a deposit to resettle into a new home. There is also aid for the homeless or those in priority need, and they can get help in locating and moving into a new private rented sector accommodation.

The programme will benefit both prospective tenants and also landlords in Stevenage. Those seeking a place to live will obviously benefit from having lodging, and landlords will benefit from the programme by having a tenant in their otherwise vacant property that has the funds for paying rental costs. Another advantage is the tenant will have ongoing tenancy support from the council that will address challenges they are faced with.

Any funds from the Stevenage Council are paid out at their discretion, so there are no guarantees that people will benefit from the scheme. However, they do aim to prevent homelessness, so the council will try to do their best to help as many families as possible, or provide referrals to other private or charity programmes if they can’t assist.

Application process for the Stevenage scheme

When applying, the scheme will prioritise people that are threatened with homeless, in priority need, rough sleepers, and the homeless. The council will review many criteria, including any past challenges faced by the individual and whether they were living independent in the past. Also, people in debt arrears may not be eligible.

All applicants will need to go through an application process and assessment with the council, and all aspects of it are investigated. Proof of income, eviction, or homelessness will be required, and the tenant must have an agreement in place for a new home in order to get assistance from the Rent Deposit Scheme.

Housing specialists from the Stevenage Borough Council will need to inspect the private home selected and that it is affordable and meets the household size. If the property meets safety and health standards from the Council Officer, a meeting will be arranged at the property for the tenancy agreement to be signed. Only after this is done will the terms of the loan from the council be agreed upon, and those funds can be used for the security deport or rent in advance costs that are due.

Loans are issued as part of the Rent Deposit Scheme, so the tenant will need to agree to a repayment plan with the staff from the Housing Advice and Homelessness Service Department. So while it can provide assistance, the overall responsibility is on the applicant.

Any payments will be made directly to either the landlord or the letting agent. The cash may be disbursed within a week or so. Also, the person will also need to have applied for a housing benefit, if that is what they will be using to pay future rental costs, and the council can fast track that application if need be.

At the end of the tenancy, if there are damages to the property, then the landlord will keep all funds from the scheme. So there are implications to the tenant and they need to abide by terms and keep the home safe. Also, if there is any rent arrears due, the landlord is protected from that too. So this is what encourages them to let to the individual.

For application, call 01438 242242 to reach the Housing and Homelessness Officer at the Stevenage Borough Council. They can answer questions.