Rent Deposit Scheme
The Lambeth Rent Deposit scheme aims to help prevent homelessness among local residents by enabling access to private rented housing for those most at risk. This is a referral-based service only, designed to broaden housing choices and increase options in the private rental sector.
Finding somewhere to live isn’t always easy, but we are here to help you move into private rented accommodation that’s right for you and your family. We can support you every step of the way, from putting you in touch with estate agents, to helping you apply for housing benefit and even covering some of your costs at the start of a new tenancy.
By allowing you more choice in the location, type, and quality of your new home, this scheme can help you lay the foundation for a successful long-term solution to your housing needs.
Who is the scheme operated by?
Our Lettings First Rent Deposit scheme is operated by Lambeth Housing Services. The scheme was launched as a new service with its own branding and identity in November 2002 and has been endorsed and part-funded by the Office of the Deputy Prime Minister.
Who is eligible?
All households will be subject to an assessment to determine their eligibility and suitability for the scheme. In general, you must meet all of the following criteria:
- be homeless or threatened with homelessness
- be over 18 years old (families and couples) or over 25 years old (singles)
- have a priority need for housing (because you are pregnant, have a dependant child, or are considered vulnerable)
- have a local connection to Lambeth
- be able to live independently or with only minimal support
- be able to demonstrate that you have the capacity to sustain a tenancy in the private sector
- be able to demonstrate that you can afford the rent on a private sector property, whether through housing benefit, income support or some other income.
In addition you should not:
- be intentionally homeless
- own your own home
- require intensive levels of support.
In exceptional circumstances, we may provide assistance to people who do not fall within these criteria.
How we can help?
We are able to help our clients in many ways and our team of specialist advisers can:
- help you find suitable, affordable accommodation
- help you apply for housing benefit
- check your accommodation is safe
- pay for some of the new things you need
- take responsibility for the rental deposit or bond payment required by the landlord or agent.
What are the benefits of this option?
Our Rent Deposit scheme plays a significant role in addressing housing shortages in Lambeth by making the private sector more accessible, and by providing a number of benefits such as:
- offering you more choice of area in which to live
- offering you better choice of property type and quality
- not charging any agency fees
- ensuring that properties have been inspected to ensure they meet set standards
- not restricting you to just a single offer of accommodation such as the ‘one’ offer policy’ that applies to some council properties
- providing you with assistance to apply for, and manage benefit payments
- taking responsibility for the rental deposit or bond payment
- assisting you to find a home that is suitable for you and your family
- allowing you to move sooner and therefore spend less time in temporary accommodation.
How do I apply?
- the Rent Deposit scheme is a referral-based service only
- you will need to arrange an appointment with a caseworker from our Prevention and Options team who will assess whether you are eligible
- if you are eligible, the caseworker will make a referral to the scheme on your behalf
- tenants of the 'Supporting People' housing schemes can only access the scheme following a referral to us from their caseworker.
What happens next?
Once you have been referred to Lettings First you will meet with a Tenancy officer who will explain how the scheme works and take you through the ten steps that will lead to you moving into your new home.
- Work out how many rooms you need
- Contact estate agents
- Ask Lettings First to find a landlord if you need to
- Get a pre-tenancy determination
- Negotiate the rent
- Apply for extra financial help if you need to
- Ask for help with moving expenses
- Agree the inventory
- Protect your tenancy
- Move into your new home