UK Bill Help

Short term assistance for the rent deposit may be provided by the Wirral Council. The aim is to help families or individuals that do not have the funds for this expense, and the housing team will partner with landlords, prospective tenants, and others to find affordable and safe properties.

How the scheme works is it will provide the landlord a guarantee on the deposit, and this is used in lieu of cash. So this can be thought of as insurance for the property owner, and it will cover the deposit as well as any damages that could occur to the property during the length of the tenancy agreement. So this programme from the Wirral Council will reduce the risk to the landlord by letting to a homeless or lower income family.

Process for Wirral Council deposit scheme

All parties need to participate. The housing team from the council will partner with local landlords, tenants, letting agents, and even charities in an effort to make this scheme successful and help those individuals that are threatened by homelessness.

Applicants will need to make an appointment at the council office, and an application and assessment will need to occur. Applicants need to be over the age of 18, and have a local connection to Wirral. Another focus is on the homeless or people threatened with it from their landlords or even family members. An aim is to also assist those that been living in supported accommodation and are now ready for a new home and more independence. All funds are limited, and the council is under no obligation to assist with a deposit.

For people found eligible, and if the landlord agrees to the scheme, a bond guarantee will be provided. It will only last for up to six months, so the tenant will need to save and budget to take over this expense at that time. However, staff from the Wirral Council will help with this by providing advice and ongoing support.

At the end of the tenancy agreement, if there are arrears or damages to the home, the landlord can make a claim with the council. The tenant will be obligated to pay for these costs, and the Wirral Council can take legal action if need be in order to get this money from the renter. So even at the end of the six months that are still other actions that can be taken by the parties of this scheme.

The aim of the council is to assist the homeless and people sleeping rough. So due to limited funds, and availability of landlords that participate in the deposit bond schemes, not everyone can be supported. If an applicant is not awarded help from the rent deposit scheme, then they may be signposted to a hostel or even supportive housing in Wirral. This will allow the client time to save money and address the cause of their hardship, such as employment or additional budgeting advice.

Some of the charities that can support the low income and homeless include Forum Housing Association for young people as well as Wirral Women & Children’s Refuge, which offers shelter, food, and more to those that qualify in Merseyside.

For more information on the Wirral Council scheme, people can ring the office at 0151 666 5511.