UK Bill Help

Assistance for a deposit as well as rent in advance is provided by the West Devon Borough Council. The bond guarantee scheme is to be used for prospective tenants that either can’t access social housing or that are on the very long wait list. The authorities will offer this assistance with a deposit so that the family or individual can move into a private sector home.

The borough has a limited amount of social housing available to the homeless or families on a low income. Due to this, the bond guarantee scheme was created as many residents do not have the funds to come up with a damage deposit that a landlord may require. Many others in the West Devon Borough even have more difficulty in paying any rent in advance. Therefore the council will assist the person with both of these costs, as the private rented sector is a key source of flats for people in the area.

Criteria for the West Devon Borough Council scheme

Rent deposit help is only provided at the discretion of the housing team. While they are legally obligated to help people find property in the area, this does not include in the private sector. A Housing Advisor will assess each application. If the guarantee is not provided, then the person will need to continue to wait for social housing to be available in West Devon Borough.

The property selected needs to be affordable and safe. It will need to pass an inspection that will be done by the authorities. Also, the tenancy agreement needs to be reviewed first, before any financial help is provided to the applicant.

Assistance is for those residents that are homeless or threatened with it. They also need to be on benefits, or able to apply for them. If the person is not currently signed up for local housing allowance, then the Housing Advisor can help fast track the application for that government programme.

Amount of help from the Deposit Guarantee

The landlord will need to agree to this deposit scheme, as it is provided directly to them or a letting agent. It will cover any damage or rent arrears on the property in West Devon Borough for up to 6 months. So the bond does have a maximum amount that can be guaranteed. If the council does need to pay out money to the owner of the private property, then the tenant will need to pay them back as well.

They will take legal action if need be, including in Small Claims Court. This is an option for the authorities if the property was damaged beyond normal wear or tear and if the landlord makes a claim against the bond guarantee. Any charges are the responsibility of the client of the scheme.

In some cases, the council will agree to a longer tenancy, which will then offer more assistance to the client. While this is actually preferred, both the tenant and the landlord would need to agree to this type of arrangement. The landlord has an advantage to a longer agreement as they know the rent deposit is backed by the authorities.

All future rental costs are the responsibility of the tenant. The individuals will be responsible for making all housing payments, keeping the property safe and damage free, and meeting all other terms of the tenancy agreement. If they need help with any of this, the housing team at the West Devon Borough Council will gladly offer them free advice.

As part of this service, they can learn about job training, ways to maximize their income, or pay down other debts. Basically, while the tenant is responsible for all future bills on their home and they need to pay other living expenses, the council will try to provide them support during that time frame so that they are not evicted again in the future.

The West Devon Borough Council is open Monday through Friday. For more information or to apply for the bond guarantee, call 01822 813600. Or drop in at the centre at Kilworthy Park, Drake Road, Tavistock.