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There are two housing schemes run by the Stroud District Council, and both landlords in the district and tenants can benefit from them. At the discretion of the local authorities, the council can guarantee the deposit due to a private landlord to address any future damage or arrears. Some individuals on a low income or in priority need of housing may also get help with the rent in advance payments due.

When it comes to the deposit scheme, a bond will be issued to participating landlords in the private sector in the Stroud District. This is a form of insurance and it will guarantee any future damage to the property or flat will be paid by the council. Or, if the tenant falls into arrears on their rental payments, the bond can cover this expense too.

Landlords need to agree to participate in the deposit scheme and accept a bond instead of cash. While the council will not pay for all of the repairs of a home for normal wear and tear, any excessive damage can be addressed. The landlord will just need to submit a claim, and based on a review, there may be funds issued for the repairs.

Also, Stroud District Council will only cover up to one month of rental arrears that the tenant may owe. So the landlord will need to be planning for this and not allow the renter to fall to far behind on their housing payments or they may not recover those funds. Also, the bonds are valid for at most twelve months, but they can be extended at the request of the tenant, landlord, and housing team.

The rent an advance scheme is another service in the area. The maximum amount paid out will be up to what the government provides as the Housing Benefit for one month. The money will be issued is a direct payment to the private sector landlord at the beginning of the tenancy agreement, but the money will need to be repaid to the council over a year.

What will occur is as the renter receives their monthly housing benefit, a portion of those funds will be taken out and repaid to the Stroud District Council to reimburse them for the advance payments. There will not be any interest charged, so the intent is to make the rent in advance help affordable for the low income individual.

There are other programmes run by the council, and they include Disabled Facilities Grants (DFGs), free advice on how to reduce energy bills, and well as Tenancy Deposit Protection. Also, renters will be provided with ongoing advice and support to help them maintain their residency over the long term.

Stroud District Council eligibility

The housing assistance is limited and applicants need to meet various criteria. They include the following. The applicant needs to be over the age of 18, and on a low income. Many residents of Stroud that apply also receive some form of housing benefit. There can also be help for the disabled or elderly in the district. There are other exceptions made for single parents in Stroud, and the customer service team can review them.

All applicants need to also be on the housing benefit and a low income. The rent and deposit schemes are intended to help only the most vulnerable, so funds will be prioritised for them. To apply for assistance, the main centre is at Westward Road, and people can ring 01453 766321.