Test Valley housing and deposit schemes

The council in Test Valley provides housing assistance to the vulnerable and low income. There are several services provided, and resources are coordinated by the Homeless Prevention or Housing Officer at the council office. Examples of the schemes available range from loans for paying a rent deposit to housing for older people and short term benefits.

Most of the financial aid relies on central government funding, and the allotment of funds sent to the borough will change each year. Any funds paid out by the council are at its discretion, and many residents may not be eligible or there will not be enough money available to help all people.

Partnering with the Credit Union, the Rent Deposit Loan Scheme is for securing a new affordable home in the private sector. The Test Valley council will partner with the tenant as well as letting agents and landlords on this scheme, and there may be funds for both a deposit as well as rent in advance payment.

The applicants need to be in housing priority or homeless, and also be local and have a low income. Ongoing support will be provided to the tenant after they move into their new home, as the Homeless Prevention Officer wants to stop the cycle of poverty and homelessness.

Loans from RDLS will help pay for housing costs such as the rent deposit. In some cases, due to funding or the applicant’s condition, a bond guarantee will be provided instead. In either case, the aim is to help the individual enter into a tenancy agreement for a new, private home in the Test Valley borough. Call 01264 368000 for more information.

Affordable housing in Test Valley borough

The council also has information on affordable and safe housing, and this information is provided in partnership with the Hampshire County Home Choice service. There are properties in villages and cities such as Andover as well as Romsey, some of which are owned by Registered Providers. However there are properties all over the county and borough that people can move into, and the providers and Housing Associations will have more information on them.

Also, when applying for the Loan Scheme for a deposit, the council will require the individual to move into an affordable home. There will not be assistance provided for rent or any other expenses for a property that the tenant can’t sustain over time.

There is also housing for older people in the Test Valley borough. They include options such as Extra Care, which will provide accommodations along with support services ranging from meals to check ups. Other social housing is available.

These properties will also be listed on the Hampshire Home Choice Register. There will be information on affordable homes for older people, and the council or a letting agent can also guide the elderly person on the process of obtaining a tenancy agreement.

Supported housing is when the tenant will be provided with other free advice and guidance. This is available in an effort to help the individual sustain their tenancy over time and avoid future homelessness. The Housing Officer from the Test Valley Borough will help people find a property that they are eligible for.

As part of this process, the tenant can take part in job training or budgeting workshops. The aim is to ensure they maximise their income in order to pay the rent on time in the future, and they will liaise with landlords to try and keep you in the property. Other services can be provided such as the Housing Benefits or they can apply for assistance from other charities to help clients sustain a tenancy. The Housing Officer will partner with the tenant and support workers to help in this activity.

For more information on any of these services, the Housing Options Team in Test Valley can be called at 01264 368000.