UK Bill Help

Bonds from the Fylde council can help people threatened by homelessness as well as families on a low income pay their rent deposits. This form of financial assistance is not for government housing; so, the bond does not help individuals who receive rental assistance from the Local Housing Allowance (LHA). Rather the deposit scheme is only for privately sector rented property, which means the landlord needs to also agree to the scheme.

All homes or flats need to be selected by the applicant. The Flyde deposit scheme provides rent deposit assistance in all parts of the borough, including Lytham, St Annes, Wesham and Kirkham. However, the council will need to make sure the property is safe and affordable. See more details on this inspection process below. In addition, it is a bond guarantee that needs to be repaid; cash is not given to the tenant.

How to get rent deposit assistance in Fylde

There are three places to drop in at. One is the Direct One Stop Shop. The Fylde Coast YMCA also provides linkage to the scheme. The last place will of course be the council centre, or the customer support line at the council. All of these organisations can help the low income complete forms, staff can answer questions, and provide other support. They can also provide information on other welfare schemes for the poor or low income.

The maximum monthly rent on the home or flat selected needs to be less than maximum rent which the council housing office approves. The government wants to make sure the payment is affordable. The home is also more likely to be approved for the deposit scheme if there is a washing machine the tenant can use, furniture, a telephone, and other furnishings. The less money the tenant needs to spend on the move in the better.

There will also be safety inspections done, including for the gas and electric hook ups as certificates need to be obtained. The home should not need repairs, or the landlord should be well on their way to making them. If help is needed in finding a place to rent, individuals local to Fylde can review the Lancashire Evening Post, Lytham St Annes Express, or the Blackpool Evening Gazette for private sector properties. If all this is done it is more likely to be approved for the Fylde council rent deposit scheme.

The landlord also needs to agree to the rent deposit scheme, as it is a bond. The property owner will be using a guarantee from the Fylde council in lieu of money. So, the landlord does have a higher level of risk, but the hope is with the council guaranteeing the funds the property owner will agree.

At the end of the tenancy agreement, which may be 6 or 12 months, if there is damage the council bond will pay for it. There are also some government funds if the rent is in arrears at the end of the tenancy agreement. Those two things are how a landlord will benefit from the scheme. Note all damages, as well as arrears, are paid for from the Rent Bond Guarantee.
To learn more, call the YMCA (or ring 01253 720270), the council (phone 01253 658 658), or the Fylde Direct One Stop Shop.