South Staffordshire Council help with deposit and housing advice

The housing services department at the South Staffordshire Council provides assistance to the low income and homeless. There is help available from the rent deposit guarantee scheme, they offer accommodation or shelter for people in priority need, and homeless prevention advice is also provided. The council runs a number of programmes for people that are vulnerable or sleeping rough.

The homeless, as well as the low income that can’t come up with the cash to make a payment on a private sector accommodation, can seek help from the Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme. This is aimed at struggling residents who need assistance in moving into some type of private rented flat or home.

Eligible tenants, and the landlords in South Staffordshire who participate, will be provided with a bond guarantee for the rent deposit from the housing services unit. The amount of this guarantee will be enough to cover the duration of the tenancy, so it should encourage private landlords to let to families on a low income or that were homeless.

Landlords are protected, as if the tenant falls into arrears or damages the home, they can make a claim with the South Staffordshire Council. Based on the results of an investigation, the council may issue funds to address the arrears or repair any damage that was caused by the tenant. The bond will not cover a certain amount though, and the terms will need to be reviewed.

The council may then pursue action against the tenant to reclaim the money that they needed to pay. So the end result is the family or individual that rented the property will still be responsible for any arrears or damages.

The Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme has assisted the vulnerable in many ways. The benefits of the programme are as follows.

• It has increased the number of flats and homes that prospective tenants can select from, as it makes the deposit more affordable.
• Many families have been able to access private housing as the bond has allowed them to pay the rent deposit without needing to come up with the cash for it.
• With the lack of social housing in South Staffordshire, the council scheme is opening up the private sector to residents. It will help those people on the housing register much quicker access to a new accommodation.
• Ongoing advice and support from the council will help people sustain their tenancy, so the scheme will even help prevent future homelessness and evictions.

The bonds are aimed at individuals who show the willingness to live independently and are not in a cycle of homelessness. To apply, the Housing Services Team needs to be called. The telephone is 01902 696504. Applicants should be prepared with proof of income, savings, and details on the financial hardship they are threatened with.

A full assessment will need to be done. The council can provide award from the Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme at their discretion, and if someone is denied assistance, then signposting may be offered to other benefits.

Or the council may help the individual move into temporary accommodations in South Staffordshire, and this will allow the person time to save money and maximize their income. So all of these solutions, whether shelter or deposit schemes, are combined to help the disadvantaged.

The council offices are at Wolverhampton Road, Codsall, Wolverhampton, WV8 1PX, telephone 01902 696504.