Rental assistance in Leicestershire

In the Leicestershire area, councils as well as not-for profit charities can provide emergency rent assistance to tenants that are threatened with homelessness. Individuals facing a crisis can get help from their local council for a discretionary payment or the Leicestershire Citizens Advice Bureau for free advice and referrals. There are a few charities that may be able to help with rent arrears as well, but they will usually be a last resort.

The leading organisations are below. Any funds paid out for housing needs are at the discretion of the agency and each claim is reviewed. Any assistance is aimed at helping the vulnerable, people facing a one-time crisis or families on a low income that have had a reduction in their benefits. Also, emergency rental assistance will also be for individuals with a local connection to their district in Leicestershire that have not showed a chronic pattern of being in arrears and will work towards independent living.

Homeless prevention and funds from councils

People with a local connection to Melton can call their council at 01664 481000 or stop in at the office at Park Side, Station Approach, Burton Street. The specialists at the centre will give the individual an interview to assess their need for assistance. The person should have proof of their income and other expenses.

Based on the results, the council will place the family into temporary accommodations if they are homeless. A low income family that is in rent arrears can apply for a discretionary housing payment in Melton, and the council may provide money to the tenants landlord. Another priority of extra help for paying rent is the disabled or families that received a Local Housing Allowance but have had it reduced.

Specialists from the council will also offer advice and landlord and tenant mediation in an effort to solve the housing problem or to help the tenant enter into a payment plan for the rent due. The aim is to help the tenant maintain their accommodations over the long term, or resettle them into a more affordable home if the rent is too high on their current flat.

The North West Leicestershire Council is in Coalville on Whitwick Road. This office partners with private landlords to offer housing to the homeless and individuals that are facing eviction, and a key partner is the Homeless Project. The council will provide referrals to the client so they can access counselling and find advice for how to get assistance with late rent payments in North West Leicestershire. Call 0800 183 0357 for information.

The Housing Needs Section of the Charnwood Council has a post of Southfields, Loughborough, LE11 2TT, and phone 01509 634567. The staff at the centre will offer free advice and referrals to local charities. In some cases the Charnwood Council does have funds from the central government to provide to tenants facing a housing crisis.

People that live in the city can call the Leicester Council. The centre provides referrals to accommodations and information and advice for people in the private sector. After an assessment is done, the tenant will be assigned a support worker to go over their needs and this worker can help the individual apply for rental assistance or schemes.

The support worker from the Leicester City Council will provide other services too in order to help the person maintain their tenancy. In order to get any financial aid, the client will need to develop a plan to address any rent or debt arrears they are in and how to pay them down. If needed, additional educational support is provided, and the individual will get referrals to job training in Leicestershire. The aim is to ensure the family or individual makes their housing payments on time, and prevents homelessness. The housing office is at Phoenix House, Welford Place, Leicester, LE1 6RN, and telephone is 0116 252 7008.

Find rent payment help from organisations in Leicestershire

Legal advice, including on a tenants responsibilities, is provided by Shelter Housing and Research Project, or SHARP. Solicitors and staff can provide landlord and tenant mediation services in order to help the tenants enter into a payment plan for their rent arrears. The housing services from Shelter Housing are extensive, and if needed, they can even assist at a court hearing. Call SHARP at 0116 254 6064 to make an appointment.

The Bridge is a not for profit that works to prevent homelessness. The charity provide mediation, free advice, and applications to housing benefits as well. Members of the organisation can also refer individuals to the local council and help them apply for emergency rent assistance from the discretionary housing payment scheme. Other homeless prevention services are provided from their office at 38 Leicester Road, Loughborough, LE11 2AG, telephone 01509 260500. Or find additional housing schemes from The Bridge.

Floating Support from Housing Matters is focused on families with a low income that are in rent arrears. Charities from across Leicestershire, including The Bridge as well as the government agency NCHA, have created this programme. Clients will get help with employment, budgeting, and other needs with an aim of independent living. The support will be provided to the tenant for as long as 12 months. Call the Bridge to get an application.