East Northamptonshire bond scheme for deposit help

The deposit assistance available in the East Northamptonshire district is in the form of a bond and not cash. The scheme is one of the resources available for families that can help them move into private rented sector housing.

The council partners with many agencies and individuals on this scheme. The funding for it comes from the central government, so they are a key partner. The council also works with landlords in the East Northamptonshire area and of course tenants are a key customer too. Both of these groups of individuals need to register with the housing authorities and landlords will need to also be accredited.

The East Northamptonshire Rent Deposit Bond Scheme is available to families on a low income that have not had a past history of evictions. The landlord also needs to be fit and proper. So in order to benefit from this scheme, both of the parties can’t have convictions for fraud, misuse of illegal drugs, or discrimination. The bond programme is only for people that are in good standing. There are no fees payable to apply for this service.

Tenants should not enter into an agreement until the council gives approval to do this. The property will need to be inspected for hazards and also needs to be habitable. The rent also needs to be affordable by the customer, whether it is from their wages or a local housing allowance – LHA. All certificates, such as a Gas Safety, must also be provided. So the home needs to fit all tests done by the housing team. Note all of these tests are done for free.

Programmes for new tenants in East Northamptonshire

The bond scheme will help with paying the up front costs on the home. Coming up with the money for that expense can be very difficult for families on a low income, so it is very helpful. But that is not all that the district council does. They also provide the following services.

-Clients can apply for fast tracking of their Housing Benefit Claims. This will assist them with future rent payment costs.
-Advice is given by the East Northamptonshire district council throughout the tenancy.
-Families can also be signposted to other charities or agencies in the area, ranging from food assistance to shelters.
-If there are any other support needs identified, the authorities will put the person in contact with an organisation that can help them.
-Counselling is arranged is the renter has any other personal debts they owe to other creditors.

If a bond is provided from the East Northamptonshire scheme, then all landlords and tenants need to act in a responsible manner. This means that the property being let needs to be maintained by the renter. Both parties needs to follow all laws and responsibilities in the area. If anyone is unlawful or causes problems, the the council has the ability to void the bond.

The authorities also need to be notified without delay if any rules are not followed. They will try to mediate a solution. Also, if the tenant serves notice to end the tenancy, then the landlord also needs to tell the authorities of this.

The East Northamptonshire District Council Deposit Bond Scheme will only cover up to one months worth of rent expense. So the amount of aid is limited. If a claim is made for either damage to the property or arrears, then at that time the landlord can make a claim and the government will reimburse them up to that limit. For more information, the council office is on Cedar Drive, Thrapston, Northamptonshire. The main telephone for customer support is 01832.