Who can we help?

We can typically help applicants who are:

• Either single people or childless couples, 18 - 60 years of age

• Have a local connection with the borough through family or work

• Are homeless, vulnerable to homelessness or have a compelling need to move

• Are on low incomes, whether benefits or low wages

• Have insufficient resources for a deposit

• Are capable of taking financial responsibility for a tenancy

• Have the ability to manage their own accommodation

• Not have moved into a property before the deposit guarantee has been agreed

• Not have the statutory right to be housed by the local authority unless special circumstances occur which mean that they cannot benefit from their statutory rights

How can we help?

• We provide a deposit guarantee to cover the deposit required by the landlord.

• We can refer you to local agencies best suited to help and signpost you to private landlords.

• We negotiate with landlords to have the deposit guarantee accepted.

•. We can help and advise with Universal Credit and benefits.

• We offer support to help maintain your tenancy as well as welfare and emotional support.

• We help those who are not working, take active steps towards employment.

How the deposit guarantee scheme works.

• Normally the guarantee is issued for 12 months. It may be renewed depending on your circumstances; it is then withdrawn and used to finance another client.

• Clients with sufficient means will be expected to save money to cover the deposit which the landlord will expect when our guarantee expires.

What we don’t do.

• We do not pay money directly to the landlord.

• We do not provide emergency accommodation for you but will try to refer you to emergency organisations.