Rent Deposit Scheme - working in partnership with the private sector

This page provides information to landlords who are thinking about renting out their accommodation through the Rent Deposit Scheme.

The Rent Deposit Scheme is designed to help landlords offer properties for rent to households the Council have identified, on Local Housing Allowance rent levels. The private sector is a popular option for many families, but they are often prevented from accessing it because they cannot find the rent in advance that many private landlords ask for.

The Rent Deposit Scheme works by the Council guaranteeing the deposit, equal to eight weeks rent as set by Local Housing Allowance, to the landlords. In addition, if the potential tenants are on benefits or a low income, their Housing Benefit claim will be fast-tracked by our dedicated Housing Benefit Team, to ensure that the rent payments are not delayed.

Landlords need to offer a 12 or 24 month Assured Shorthold Tenancy. The Council will guarantee the deposit for that period; after this, the tenant must make their own arrangements with the landlord if they are going to stay in the property. At the end of the tenancy the balance of the deposit will be returned to the general account to enable us to use it to help another household on the Rent Deposit Scheme.

If you would like to let your property under the Rent Deposit Scheme but it is in disrepair, in some circumstances, the Rent Deposit Team can provide information and advice on Council-wide schemes that will enable you to bring your property up to the required standard.

If you, as the landlord, become aware of any actions by your tenant which might put their tenancy at risk please contact the Rent Deposit Team immediately.  The Team may be able to help resolve any issues. They can be contacted on 020 8496 3000 or rentdeposit@walthamforest.gov.uk

What are the advantages for me, as a landlord?

  1. The Assessment and Options Team in Housing Services assess all potential tenants for the scheme to check their suitability for private rented accommodation; this can include Experian checks and previous address history checks. You also have the option to complete your own checks, if required.
  2. There is no introduction fee for finding a tenant.
  3. The Rent Deposit Team hold a deposit of an amount equal to eight weeks rent (max £2000) as determined by Local Housing Allowance for the duration of the initial tenancy, which the landlord can make a claim against if necessary. A claim can be made because of damages or any loss of rent.
  4. The Rent Deposit Team can also provide relevant documents such as the tenancy agreement and Notice of Seeking Possession.
  5. The management of the tenancy is strictly a matter between the landlord and the tenant. However, all clients housed via this scheme will have the option to be referred to a Generic Floating Support Service to help them settle into, and maintain, their new accommodation. The Rent Deposit and Assessment and Options Team can however advise and mediate between the landlord and tenant if necessary.
  6. In addition you may be eligible for an incentive payment if you are an accredited landlord/agent with the London Landlord Accreditation Scheme (LLAS), and your property is accredited with the Council's property accreditation scheme, or can provide us with registration details within three months of the tenancy start date. Find out more about the landlord accreditation scheme and the Council's property standards.
  7. Free landlord accreditation.
  8. Free property accreditation.
  9. The possibility of direct housing benefit payments.
  10. Dedicated Housing Benefit Team to help with queries relating to the scheme.

What do we need from you?

  1. We ask that the rents are set at the Local Housing Allowance level.
  2. We would need gas, electric and energy performance certificates provided before each property is let.
  3. We would require 12 or 24 month tenancy agreements.

If you are a landlord or agent who would be interested in providing properties for the scheme, or if you would like further information about this scheme please contact the Rent Deposit Team at:

Housing Services
2d Fulbourne Road
Walthamstow
E17 4GG

Tel 020 8496 3000
Fax 020 8496 5431
Email rentdeposit@walthamforest.gov.uk

We currently require properties in the Waltham Forest area with a high demand for two bed properties and three bedroom houses. If you have any suitable properties, please send the details to rentdeposit@walthamforest.gov.uk

If you would like further information about this scheme please download the Rent Deposit Schemes: help and advice for landlords leaflet (426KB PDF file)

Rent Deposit Scheme - landlords