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What is a Rent Deposit Scheme?
A rent deposit scheme offers Private Landlord's a cash deposit, in order to help people who are in receipt of benefits or on low incomes secure accommodation in the Private Rented Sector.
Who can get help from Elmbridge Borough Council's Rent Deposit Scheme?
You may be able to get help if you are:
How can I apply to the scheme?
You can enquire directly to Elmbridge Borough Council's Housing Advice Team. A housing advice interview will be booked for you, during which you will be given advice on your housing options and assessed for your suitability to apply to the Rent Deposit Scheme.
What happens next?
If you meet the criteria of the Rent Deposit Scheme you will be requested to provide further information about yourself, such as identification and proof of income. The advisor regarding your suitability as an applicant will make a decision. We will try to do this as quickly as possible, however if we are not provided with all of the information that we require, the process will be slower.
Will I be given accommodation straight away?
No, the scheme is NOT designed to help you into emergency accommodation if you are homeless, or threatened with homelessness, it is designed to help you access accommodation in the Private Sector.
What type of accommodation will I get?
If you are accepted onto the scheme, Elmbridge Borough Council will find you accommodation that meets your needs or you will be asked to find your own accommodation. You will be advised how to go about this and given advice on renting properties. The final decision as to whether you take up the tenancy will be between you and the Landlord. You will agree the terms of the tenancy between you.
What about the Rent Deposit?
The Rent Deposit covers damages above normal wear and tear and is paid directly to the Landlord once you have found property. The Landlord must provide a tenancy agreement or in the case of living in a property where the Landlord is resident, the Landlord should provide a covering letter confirming the details of your agreement.
How much rent will I have to pay?
The Landlord will set the rent. You may be entitled to help with paying your rent from Housing Benefit. This applies if you are on a low income or in receipt of some other benefits. Housing Benefit does not cover certain charges, these include charges for heating, lighting, cooking and water. If such charges are included in your rent, you will have to pay them to the Landlord yourself. Housing Benefit may not cover all of your rent, remember that you are responsible to pay for any shortfall in rent. Once you have an idea of where you might live you can fill out a pre-tenancy determination form which will give you an idea of how much help with your rent you may get from Housing Benefit. You will find all the forms you need at the Civic Centre, High Street, Esher, Surrey.
Will I have to pay the money back?
You may be required to pay back to Elmbridge Borough Council any monies that is claimed against the deposit by the Landlord.
What is an inventory?
If you take up the tenancy the Landlord will probably get an inventory down detailing the contents of the property and their condition. This protects you and the Landlord from any dispute later regarding the contents and repair of the property.
Putting it all together
So we have accepted you onto the scheme, you have founda property and the Landlord will accept Elmbridge Borough Council's Rent Deposit. You will contact your advisor and let them know and they will arrange a time for you to bring in your tenancy agreement. Providing everything is in place, the Rent Deposit will be issued to your new Landlord. If you need to make a claim for Housing Benefit this should be done as soon as possible. Your advisor will arrange this for you, however you will be expected to provide all the necessary documents needed to make a claim.
Final Word
We wish you every success in your new property and hope that your tenancy runs smoothly. Should any problems arise, talk them through with your Landlord. If your Landlord does make a claim against the Rent Deposit, Elmbridge Borough Council will take steps to recover the cost of any claims paid from you. You will not be considered for future rent deposit support until you have paid all costs back to Elmbridge Borough Council.
For more information please contact |Housing Advice Team