Qualifying Offer Scheme
The Lambeth Qualifying Offer Scheme is the fast track to housing for people living in temporary accommodation. It also gives you the opportunity to choose where you want to live, whether it is moving within Lambeth or to another part of the country.
We can support you every step of the way, from showing you our portfolio of properties, to supporting you to look for your own property in an area of your choice.
Who can apply for the scheme
Households who are housed in temporary accommodation and are currently bidding for a council property through choice based lettings could be eligible.
What are the benefits of the scheme?
Our Qualifying Offer Scheme makes the private rented sector more accessible and provides a number of benefits such as:
- allowing you to choose the area and location where you want to live
- offering better quality properties
- ensuring properties have been inspected and they meet set standards
- offering you viewings of as many properties as you like, as often as you like
- paying the deposit for you to secure the property
- assisting you through the process and providing all necessary documents
- allowing you to move quickly and spend less time living in temporary accommodation.
Your questions answered
What is a qualifying offer of accommodation?
A qualifying offer of accommodation is an offer of suitable accommodation which is let by a private sector landlord. It is let on an assured shorthold tenancy. If you accept a qualifying offer of accommodation you will no longer be homeless but you will still be eligible to join the housing register and receive an offer of permanent accommodation.
Do I have to accept a qualifying offer?
No. It is entirely up to you whether you accept such an offer.
Do I have to take any property?
No. If you are interested in the idea of taking a qualifying offer we can let you look at one or more available properties. When you view a property you can decide whether or not you want to take it. If you do want it and the landlord accepts you as a tenant, we will assist you to secure the property for your family.
What are the advantages of taking a qualifying offer?
- Properties regularly become available and you may be able to move into one quickly.
- You can choose which area of the borough you want to live in and we will send you to see properties in that area.
- You will have more choice over where you want to live and the type of property that you want.
- You can choose to live near to schools, friends and relatives and other support networks (such as churches and local communities).
- You will not be forced to take a property you do not want.
- Properties offered are of a good standard and quality.
What happens if I cannot afford a deposit?
Lambeth runs a Rent Deposit Scheme. The council will pay a returnable deposit on your behalf to secure the property for your family. The deposit is held during your tenancy and returned to the council once it has ended.
What if I want to move at a later date?
Providing that you do not have rent arrears and no damage has been done to the property, Lambeth will recover the deposit from your landlord which can then be used to secure further accommodation of your choice.
Find out more
To find out more about the scheme please call 020 7926 2963 or 020 7926 2950 and talk to one of our Qualifying Offer Officers, or write to Lambeth Council, Housing Options and Advice Service, 2-7 Town Hall Parade, Brixton Hill, London SW2 1RW
24-year old Erin Fisher found her new home through the Qualifying Offfer Scheme and in this interview she tells us all about it.