Stratford-on-Avon Rent and Deposit help from Express Scheme

Individuals that can’t afford to move into a new home as well as the homeless in Stratford-on-Avon can receive help from schemes run by the council. They have funds for prospective tenants to apply to that can assist them with any rent in advance required by the landlord. The Housing Advice Team from the council can also provide assistance to residents for locating a private sector home to let, and they also provide programmes for the rent deposit.

The funds are part of the Rent Express Scheme, and based on funding, it can provide up to 4 weeks worth of cash for the rent in advance or maybe a security deposit. Other benefits can be provided too. Some applicants may not be eligible for all of the assistance or all conditions, so they will be provided a guarantee in lieu of the deposit.

For those that that are provided guarantee by the Stratford-on-Avon Council, this encourages the landlords to let to someone that was formerly homeless or is on a low income. It protects them from any damage to the property as well as any rent arrears that may be due at the end of the tenancy.

Any assistance from the Rent Express Scheme is limited and at the discretion of the council. The applicant needs to be homelessness or resettling as they are threatened by it. The individual seeking help also must be very low income, and have saved less than £1000 and be out of all other options.

Ongoing support is also provided by the Advice Team as part of the scheme. The tenant will receive free advice on any debt arrears they have, unsafe housing conditions, or other housing challenges. They can learn about their responsibilities, and have access to mediation if any when needed.

The aim of the Stratford-on-Avon Rent Express Scheme is to prevent homelessness, so even after moving into the new flat, if the individual falls into rent arrears or struggles, they should call the and Landlord Liaison Officer at 01789 260 869 to find a solution before they receive an eviction notice.

This scheme will not help people with a deposit that are in arrears to the council, or that have a chronic past of evictions or failed tenancies. The council will not provide funds to otherwise irresponsible residents, and they can decline the help to anyone they choose. Also, the person needs to be seeking affordable homes to live in, in which the rent payment can be sustained over time.

The funds will always be issued directly to the landlord or the property, and the applicant will not receive cash. The council has certain individuals they partner with to provide flats to people seeking help, and they can provide information about this to applicants. The Housing Advice Team from the council can be a great resource for those seeking assistance.

In order to apply for the Rent Express Scheme, the HAT – Housing Advice Team needs to review applications and conduct an assessment. They will also need to inspect the property before issuing any funds for the rent deposit, so no one should sign a tenancy agreement before applying for the scheme. The main phone number is 01789 260 844, and a specialist can provide advice on the process. Another option is for people to drop in at the main office, which is Stratford-on-Avon District Council Elizabeth House, Church Street, Stratford-upon-Avon, Warwickshire CV37 2HX.