UK Bill Help

Residents of the city of Derby who need help in raising the funds for a private sector home can turn to the council for assistance. They provide two different options to the homeless or the low income, and they include the Bond Assurance as well as Rent In Advance Scheme.

Help with the deposit that may be due from the landlord is provided by the Bond Assurance Scheme. This is available for people in priority need or that are currently homeless, but the applicant can’t be able to come up with the rent deposit money on their own.

The scheme works by providing the landlord with a guarantee for up to one month of the deposit, and this is done by the Derby City Council. What it will do is provide assurances that that if there is damage done to the property, the landlord can make a claim of it to the council and a payment will be made by the authorities to pay for those damages. The scheme will also address any rent arrears that is due on the home, so if the tenant falls behind on their payments, the landlord can also make a claim with the housing authorities for that as well.

If eligible for the scheme, it is important to maintain the property and pay the rent on time. Tenants will be able to receive ongoing support from the housing authorities on these challenges if need be. If not, the Derby City Council can take action against the tenant though to recover any monies paid out from the bond scheme, and the authorities can go through the court system to purse the money if need be.

The bond can last for up to two years if needed, and the council has a thorough application process. They need proof of income, payslips, and other documentation. Applications for the scheme are provided by the Housing Options staff, and this team can also provide more information if needed. The address is at the Council House, Corporation Street, Derby, DE1 1FS. Drop in at the centre, or call 01332 256483.

The Derby City Council can also help with the Rent in Advance. This is only for people that will qualify for the housing benefit and that are also moving into private sector accommodations. If found to be eligible by the council, they will make a payment worth up to one month of rent. Note the money paid by the council will be reclaimed from tenants’s future housing benefit.

The applicant needs to be on a low income, and either be receiving the housing benefit or be in the process of applying for it. The council also needs to approve the home being rented, and ensure it is safe and the rent is affordable. The tenancy agreement can’t be signed before the Housing Options staff assesses the property, or the scheme will not be awarded to the tenant.

The application process will be similar to that of the bond guarantee, and proof of income and other information is required by the housing team. Any assistance for a rent in advance is at the discretion of the council, and there are no guarantees. The phone number is 01332 256483.