The Rent Deposit Scheme is designed to help landlords and tenants in the private rented sector. Under the scheme the Council encourages landlords to offer for rent properties from one bed flats to four bed properties on market rents.
The scheme at a glance
Deposit
The Council will guarantee a deposit for the first 12 months of the tenancy.
Tenant
The Council will nominate a tenant for the scheme.
Tenancy
The tenancy will be a 12 month-assured shorthold tenancy between the tenant and the landlord.
Rent
The Rent Officer will determine the rent (Indicative Rent). The Rent Officer Service is an independent Government body.
Housing Benefit
A dedicated Housing Benefit caseworker will provide assistance in processing claims throughout the term of the tenancy. The rent can be paid directly to the landlord.
Management support
The Council will provide housing management support to help the tenant to settle into the tenancy. The landlord will also be able to get free legal advice throughout the tenancy from the Housing Advice section.
Documentation
The Council will provide the landlord with relevant documentation such as the tenancy agreement, Notices, LBWF Agreement, an inventory and a landlord information pack.
Property standard
A Council officer will inspect the property to ensure that it meets the standards set for the scheme.
Safety certificates
The landlord will be expected to provide gas and electric safety certificates.
