Help renting a home

If you are considering private rented accommodation, please download the leaflet from the menu on the right.  The leaflet provides useful information on where to begin your search for a rented home and what to expect.

If you cannot afford a deposit on a private rented home, the council's rent deposit scheme could help.  Instead of giving you the money to pay the deposit, we give your landlord a guarantee.  This will cover the landlord for any damage to the property.

If there is any damage to the property at the end of your tenancy, we will pay the landlord and then get the money back from you.  We are very strict about who we accept onto the scheme to avoid this situation.

Who is eligible?

You may be eligible for the rent deposit scheme if you are priority need (or in exceptional circumstances, non-priority need) and you:

• are homeless or about to become homeless
• are currently on the housing register
• have a local connection
• are on a low income or benefits and entitled to housing benefit
• have a good tenant history
• are over 18 years old
• have no other way of finding a deposit.

How do I apply?

Make an appointment with housing needs and an officer will be able to tell you whether you are eligible for the scheme, and help you complete the application form.