Help with rent deposit from Three Rivers District Council scheme

Individuals from Three Rivers District that need help with paying the deposit on private sector housing can seek help from the council. Individuals that are found eligible can receive assistance in the form of a guarantee from the deposit scheme. Any prospective tenant can only move into council approved properties that are affordable and safe, and the landlord in the PRS sector also needs to agree to participate in the scheme.

For eligible families or individuals on a low income, including the homeless, the Three Rivers District Council will try to provide assistance with moving in. There may be a bond issued for certain housing payments, such as the deposit. This can also help pay for any damage that may occur to the property, and even address any rent arrears that the landlord may be concerned about accruing. More information on the programme is below.

Assistance provided from the scheme

Individuals who are found eligible from the Private Sector Liaison Officer can receive many benefits from the council. They need to be local to the district, on a low income or in poverty, and be over the age of 18. The homeless can apply too. If all eligibility conditions are met, the terms that the scheme will put into place will be at minimum six months, and all agreements entered into will be binding by all individuals, including the council, landlord, and tenant.

• A guarantee will be provided to cover up to one month of rent in advance.
• The council housing office can help individuals find a private property to move into. They will assist the applicant with finding landlords who will accept the scheme in lieu of cash.
• Ongoing tenant support is provided to prevent future homelessness, including information on budgeting or job training.
• The bond from Three Rivers District will also cover any future damage that may occur to the property.

When all terms of the programme are agreed to, including the council has inspected the home, then the landlord and person seeking housing will enter into a tenancy agreement, and this is what will address the security deposit obligation. It will set the terms, including what the rent is, and the agreement is legally binding.

At the end of the tenancy, if there is damage done to the property that is beyond normal wear and tear, the money will need to be repaid to the council. Or, if the tenant falls into arrears and the bond needs to cover any housing payments, then in those cases as well funds will need to be repaid. So it is key for the client to follow all rules and regulations that the landlord has in place.

All rent payments need to be made on time by the tenant, and if eligible, the government housing benefit can be used for those payments. All utilities and other costs, such as fuel bills, are also their responsibility. The account they pay needs to be different than where the deposit is sent to. This keeps the funds separate, and is a requirement of the Three Rivers District Council.

The council can provide other ongoing support as well. For example, while it is the client’s responsibility to apply for housing benefit, if needed, staff from the government centre can help with this. Some people may also be eligible for a fast track of their application.

There are other services provided too, often in partnership with the CAB and other organisations in CAB. Most families will receive free advice on how to maintain their home and property, and that includes budgeting and other workshops.

For more information or to make enquiries, the address is Housing and Health Northway, Rickmansworth, Herts, WD3 1LR, and telephone number is 01923 727061.