West Lindsey District rent deposit scheme

Assistance with a deposit of up to £500 is available for residents in the West Lindsey District. The local council scheme provides a guarantee to the landlord on behalf of the tenant in an effort to prevent homelessness.

The council not only offers this scheme, but they will also support prospective tenants that are seeking a new home or that are resettling. This form of financial aid can help stabilize a family so they do not need to move from home to home in West Lindsey.

Another service is assistance for those that are currently homeless because they had a former rent arrears due to a property owner. So the deposit guarantee scheme provides families with a number of resources to keep them housed.

There are criteria to apply for the £500 guarantee. The council will assess each application and make a decision based on merit. Not in some exceptional circumstances over £500 can be provided. The Housing Team will review the following.

• A guarantee is only for people local to West Lindsey or that have a family member in the area.
• Deposit assistance is only for those on a low income and that do not have the cash or access to raise the money.
• The council will require the person to be on benefits, such as Council Tax, Income Support, Job Seekers Allowance, or Housing Allowance.

As part of the scheme, the tenant will need to save money to pay for the rent deposit over the 6 month tenancy agreement. They are also required to make monthly installments to the property owner. While the funds are not technically issued as a loan, the payment plan is similar in how it operates.

As the assistance is only for a time defined period. Therefore the applicant needs a source of income to be able to do this. They also need to budget, address any debt arrears, and take other steps. The West Lindsey District Housing team can assist with this if needed.

Applicants need to find their own housing to live in, and the landlord needs to agree to the guarantee. Only after this has been done should an application be submitted. There should never be a tenancy agreement entered into before the authorities at the West Lindsey District centre have inspected the property and completed other assessment.

Eviction prevention is also part of the West Lindsey District rent deposit scheme. If one of the clients is facing homelessness because they missed payment to the landlord, then the homeless advice officer at the council or Citizens Advice Bureau (CAB) will work with this person to find a solution.

A full investigation will take place as to the cause of the rent arrears. Based on the results of this, the tenant may get help into entering into a repayment plan with the landlord or some other options. Or they can apply for DHP. All of this aid is offered on a case by case basis.

Throughout the six month tenancy agreement the Housing Team can drop in to inspect the home. They will also check with the landlord to ensure that there is no rent arrears due. If the property is damaged or the tenant is in arrears (and they have not notified the council) then the landlord or even council could serve an eviction notice and the deposit guarantee will be canceled.

For more information on this scheme, the West Lindsey District Council has a post of Guildhall, Marshall’s Yard, Gainsborough, DN21 2NA. Or call the customer support team at 01427 676676.