Rent deposit guarantees from churches in St Albans

Find help in making a deposit payment from STARSS, or the St Albans Rent Secure Scheme. Local churches, charities, and the City and District Council are partnering together to offer this scheme to people with a low income that need to resettle or the homeless. The nationally recognised scheme works by guaranteeing a deposit that a landlord in the private housing sector may require.

The aim is to help families as well as single people with the payment on a rent deposit, and there may be funds for others as well. However the programme is limited and many people will not meet the criteria. In addition to financial aid, the scheme will provide ongoing tenancy support and advice, which will help ensure the tenant remains living in the private accommodations.

Landlords will also benefit, as the Hightown Praetorian & Churches Housing Association will ensure the property has a strong tenant in it. The association also partners with the Housing Options Team from St. Albans on this assessment process, and the coordinator from STARSS will interview the applicant to ensure they are matched to the proper landlord and any requirements in place. This also includes housing, getting references as well as credit history checks.

In order to apply, the applicant must be on a low income or receiving benefits. Just as important, they need to show that they are able to pay the rent on their own in the future and otherwise sustain any tenancy agreement that is entered into. STARSS is not meant to be for people with a past history of long term homelessness.

A coordinator from the church can also help the client find suitable accommodations to let. They will inspect them if need be, make recommendations, and ensure the property is affordable. A key part of this is the safety inspection of the properties, as this can address any issues before the prospective tenant moves in.

Clients will be able to get the guarantee from the St. Albans City & District Council as well as a church on the deposit. In addition to that, they also receive free advice, legal support, and other aid from the Private Rented Sector Access Coordinator. This is done throughout the duration of the scheme, and it can last for up to 12 months. The council wants the person to be able to sustain their tenancy, so they provide assistance for this to occur.

If there is a future problem, such as missed housing payments, then landlord and tenant mediation will be organized. This will address any problems that may have arisen, and it will also be used to prevent homelessness. The aim of STARSS is to both house people and single and just as importantly prevent a future eviction or damage to the home. So inspections, guidance, and ongoing support is part of the scheme.

Hundreds of families have been placed in housing, or resettled as a result of the St Albans Rent Secure Scheme, and it has also been supported by the national charity Crisis. The Churches Housing Association has been a key partner in finding the homeless and rough sleepers on the streets, and helping them access both this scheme and other accommodations.

To apply or for more information on the STARSS – Rent Secure Scheme, the council is the office to contact. The phone number is 1727 819377, and they are at and address of St Peters Street, St Albans, AL1 3JE. The Hightown Praetorian & Churches Housing Association can be called at 01442 292300, and this charity provides many other housing services as well.