A leading not-for-profit in the South Ayrshire area is SeAscape. The agency works with residents that are homeless or on a low income, and the aim is to help people with any housing problems they have. Individuals with a local connection or the homeless that need to resettle may be eligible for a bond for paying their rent deposit, and other people on a low income can benefit from the Tenancy Support Scheme. These and other services are provided from SeAscape.
Tenants seeking private accommodations can seek help from the SeAscape Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme. In lieu of cash, the charity will arrange for the landlord to receive a bond, which is a form of written guarantee, for any deposit that is needed for the home.
The scheme can help cover different bills and needs that may be required for establishing a tenancy agreement. The bond will address any damage to the property that is not just normal wear, and it also covers rent arrears. So if the tenant either does not pay the rent, or they damage the landlords home, then the landlord can make a claim using the SeAscape bond.
Applicants need to know the guarantee is short term, and will normally last 12 months. During this period the tenant will need to save money and build up their funds to cover the deposit. Specialists from the not-for-profit, or the local CAB in South Ayrshire, can provide advice on the best way to save and even maximise income.
The scheme is only for people on a low income and that are age 16 or over. They also need to have no other source of funds or access to the deposit, so will be homeless if they do not get help from SeAscape.
The bond guarantee is provided along with other help to the homeless or low income person. Staff can assist with applications to the Local Housing Allowance, which can allow them to pay the rent in the future. Also, if the client needs help in locating a home, then the Property Database Scheme can assist with that, as the not-for-profit has information of affordable properties and the landlords that participate.
Another programme available in South Ayrshire, whether the person needs help with the deposit or maybe they are just facing eviction, is the Tenancy Support Scheme. The aim is to keep the family or individual living independent and stabilised. So it covers a number of potential problems.
Social workers and volunteers from Seascape coordinate this service. It will be set up to meet the needs of the tenant, and address their specific problems. Depending on the need, there may be free advice on budgeting or help with resettling into an affordable accommodation. They also provide welcome packets and signpost to any other charities or aid the tenant may need. There is also assistance with benefit claim forms.
The aim of Tenancy Support is to end the cycle of homelessness and stabilise the situation. This is an ongoing programme that will help sustain the tenancy, and the landlord will be brought into the process as well if needed.
For more information, Seascape prefers people call the South Ayrshire Housing Offices 01292 611600 for an interview and referral. However, if a person is threatened by homelessness, they can be self-referred, and the telephone is 01292 285424. Or the main office is at 8 Barns Street, Ayr KA7 1XA.
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