Help to rent privately

Landlords will usually require rent in advance, a month and a half's rent as a deposit, referencing fees and a guarantor.

We operate a rent deposit scheme for households with an identified housing need. Rent deposit schemes offer loans to be used as tenancy deposits on private sector properties.

How does the rent deposit scheme work?

Usually, the scheme-provider lends the tenant the money in advance and they pay it back over a period of time from their wages or benefits. If there are no problems, the tenant should get their deposit back as a lump sum at the end of the tenancy.

Before making any holding payments, we strongly advise you to check that the rent is affordable when combined with other essential housing costs such as utilities, council tax and contents insurance.

How do I apply?

To be considered for the Rent Deposit scheme you will need to be on the Housing Register.