UK Bill Help

Residents of the Tandrige district that are in housing need, whether from homelessness or future eviction, can ring the council for support. The local authorities have partnered with an organisation known as Nextstep in an effort to help individuals on a low income pay rent deposits and in general access private sector housing.

There are a few components of the service available. First, the Private Sector Access portion will help a family locate an affordable home to live in. Then, after an assessment has been done, the person may be issued financial help in paying for the rent deposit on the flat.

Financial aid from the Deposit Scheme

Many people from the district would rather get help in paying a security deposit on a home then in finding one. So in these cases the adviser will need to assess the applicant’s financial condition. This review will include a review of their income, debts, and savings. The applicant will need to be local to Tandridge and also considered to be in housing need.

If eligible, then a bond will be issued to both the tenant and their landlord. This will serve as a guarantee for the deposit and is used instead of cash. If the home is damage during the course of the tenancy, then the landlord will have confidence that the property will be repaired using money from the bond. The Nextstep adviser, or the council will also give advice to the renter on completing and reviewing all tenancy paperwork.

Once the person has moved into their new home, another benefit of the Private Sector Access and Deposit Scheme is the ongoing tenancy support. They will do things such as liaison with the landlord and also offer assistance with applying for and monitoring government housing benefit claims. Those steps can be key to keeping up with the rent payments in the future.

Help in locating a home in Tandridge

This is also done by the Private Sector Access scheme if someone needs this service. A combination of databases and one on one advice is used. Anyone over the age of 18 that is on a low income can inquire into this programme from the council. This too is offered in partnership with Nextstep.

An adviser will work with the client if they are having difficulties finding an affordable and safe accommodation to live in the Surrey area. The scheme can also help the prospective tenant find a landlord that participates in the deposit scheme or that accepts benefits. This is a free service for those that qualify.

Once a home has been found in the private sector, the staff will inspect it. They will also review the tenancy agreement to ensure it is binding and legal. If the adviser does not know the answer to a question that the client has then they will track it down.

There are three different telephone numbers that people can call to apply to these schemes. The council’s housing team can be reached at 01883 732824 or 01883 732826. Or stop by the main office at Station Road East, Oxted, RH8 0BT. If someone wants to call Nextstep directly, then that phone number is 01737 378482. It is recommended to call only one of the agencies.