Vale of White Horse district deposit help

Assistance is available for prospective tenants in the Vale of White Horse district. The council run deposit guarantee scheme is available to protect landlords from any potential damage that can be done to a property being rented. A bond will be issued to the tenant and landlord that will only cover any future damage to the home.

The aim of the council run scheme is to help people access low cost private sector housing. The clients tend to be families or individuals living on a low income as well as the homeless in Vale of White Horse. The council backed scheme will guarantee that the landlord will get their deposit back if the tenant damages the flat being let out to them. There are maximum amounts that will be paid, and the damage to the property would need to be beyond fair wear and tear that will normally occur during a tenancy agreement.

Aim of deposit bonds in Vale of White Horse

First of all applicants should note this is not an emergency programme. It takes several days for the council to review applications and issue a bond. There is also an extensive application process in order for an individual to receive a deposit guarantee.

The eligibility criteria are as follows. The applicant needs to be in housing need and also over the age of 18. The council can also help people that are about to be evicted, as the bond can help pay the deposit for a new, more affordable flat in the district.

All applicants also need to be local to Vale of White Horse and on a low income. There is often priority for individuals that are receiving government benefits or the local housing allowance. They also need to have an income or some money coming in to pay future rent costs on their own.

Only certain homes can be rented. The scheme is for flats, self-contained accommodation bedsits, private houses and lettings of spare rooms. The home needs to be safe and affordable as well. Also, the properties need to be in the Vale of White Horse district. All agreements need to be reviewed by the council before they are signed.

The Vale district housing team will also need to visit the property as well. This inspection will occur up front and can also take place in future months as well. The housing team may also set other eligibility criteria.

While the deposit is intended to be for any future damage, the amount of the bond will be equivalent to up to 6 months of rent expenses. It will also last up to 12 months. At that time the tenant needs to have saved money to pick up coverage of the deposit on their own.

If the client thinks they will struggle to pay the future rent on their own, then they can apply for a housing benefit from Vale of White Horse district council. They will try to fast track the application, but there are no guarantees to this. There are time limits for claiming housing benefits so it is important that prospective tenants apply as soon as possible.