Redcar and Cleveland rent bond guarantee scheme

Property owners in Redcar and Cleveland borough provide rent deposit assistance to qualified prospective tenants. The help is provided to individuals or families on a low income as part of the Bond Guarantee Scheme, and the programme covers private housing that is available from the Landlord Charter.

The amount of aid is limited. The RCBG council run Bond Guarantee will only provide up to £500. There will not be any cash given to the client. Instead it is a guarantee, and it will help pay up to 4 weeks worth of rent only. So it covers either the deposit or rent in advance that that property owner needs as part of the tenancy agreement. If more money is needed, then the Housing Officer from the council can post the client to other grant assistance programs, charities, or not-for-profits.

In order to apply for the bond guarantee, the applicant needs to be living in temporary accommodations or a place that is unsuitable. This scheme is not for the homeless. Instead the aim is to assist single people age over 18 years or couples with paying for better housing, and they need to have proper immigration status. The need for better accommodations needs to be urgent too, so this rent deposit scheme is a form of emergency help.

The bond scheme is only for families or individuals in a low income. So there job can be minimum wage, they may be living on government welfare or grants, or they have a low income and limited assets. The Redcar and Cleveland council will conduct an income and asset test as part of the application process.

How much rent and how long does the bond cover?

The tenancy agreement needs to be for either 6 or 12 months. It can’t be longer than that. This time will give the family a safe place to live while they continue to work, save money, and gain financial stability. Then, at the end of the assured short-hold period, if they need more time then they can extend the tenancy agreement or move into a new flat.

The Redcar and Cleveland council (RCBG) has limited funds for the rent bond guarantee scheme. It is enough to help in a small number of situations, and the assistance can cover a portion of what the landlord needs. So the cap is £500. If the rent deposit needed is more than that, then the prospective tenant will need to seek other sources of funds. The £500 will also be applied to any damage that is done to the home, and if there was damage at the end of the tenancy agreement, the tenant will need to repay the council the amount of the bond.

Only some private sector properties are part of the scheme. The property owner needs to be part of the Redcar and Cleveland Landlord Charter. The housing Solutions Officer from the council can provide a list of flats or homes that are available. They also will ensure the property is affordable to the applicant, is suitable/safe to live in, and that an inspection has been done.

To apply for rent deposit help, the Housing Advice and Information Service in the Redcar and Cleveland borough is the place to apply at. Or the specialists can answer questions on how to apply, direct people to private sector housing in the Landlord Charter, and offer other support. RCBG can be reached at (01287) 612444.