West Dorset District help for rent deposits and advance payments

Eligible residents in West Dorset District have three different deposit schemes available to them. The assistance is provided to help them move into, and pay for, the costs of housing in the private sector. All of the assistance, including the housing advice that comes with it, will also depending on funding being available.

The council also has many other eligible requirements in place. Any rent deposit help is only for those that can’t borrow the money from other agencies or family members, and the family seeking help must also be on a low income. The aim is to stop homelessness if the area.

The funds are only for private rented accommodations in West Dorset. Another aim is to help the homeless get into these properties since there is limited social housing available. But they will need to have some money to pay for future housing costs, whether it is from benefits or wages from a job.

Deposit schemes in West Dorset District

There are three types of aid provided by the authorities. They include a bond for the landlord and tenant to cover the deposit. There may also be loans issued in some cases for that cost, or the council will help with rent in advance payments.

There will only be help provided for people local to West Dorset for the last 6 months. Also, individuals in priority need, including pregnant women, the disabled, seniors, the vulnerable, or those impacted by an emergency are given priority for any deposit help.

Which of the options used by the Housing Advice Service will vary. This will be determined after an assessment is completed and it will be based on the merit of the applicant. The authorities in the West Dorset District Council also partner with other agencies to determine this. One of them includes the Dorset Credit credit union, as they would issue any loans.

Anther key partner to the deposit schemes is the landlord of the private rented accommodation. They will work with the council on the bond programme. If the property owner does not agree to that form of payment for the deposit, then that bond will not be an option.

The credit union will also be involved in any assistance for rent in advance. They will also issue a loan for that housing cost. Money will only be provided to the individual in advance of a tenancy commencing is they meet the standards in place, such as agreement to a repayment plan.

West Dorset District rent bonds are a form of guarantee that is provided directly by the council, and this is the third option. So they can decide whether a family is eligible or not. But the landlord also needs to agree to use this form of payment for the deposit up to the agreed bond value.

Whether a bond is issued or a loan, in either case the tenant will either need to save money or make payments on a regular basis. The West Dorset District Council housing team will provide more details on this.

At the end of the tenancy, the tenant could have some money returned to them if they did not cause any damage or if they are not in arrears. If a property owner claims against the loan that was issued by the credit union or the bond, the renter will be charged if that claim has been verified. This will also encourage the individual or family to take care of the property.

The West Dorset Housing Advice Service can be called at 01305 251010. This is the place to go for more information or an application.