Search for schemes that help people overcome barriers to accessing private rented accommodation in the UK.
This database is for individuals seeking help, support organisations, and landlords looking to provide properties.
It lists organisations, charities and council teams who can help you obtain accommodation in the private rented sector in the area you are located.
The information includes organisations/councils who might provide services such as help to find accommodation, deposit guarantees, rent in advance, liaising with landlords, signposting to other organisations and tenancy sustainability.
The database covers England, Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales. You can search by Town/City, Local Authority, County or Region. Further legal advice on your tenancy can be found on the Shelter website.
We aim to keep details up to date, however, this database is provided for informational purposes only and may not be completely accurate or up-to-date. We assume no liability for any errors or omissions in the data provided to us and recommend you contact schemes to check if they can help
If you notice anything that needs changing in this database or have new schemes you would like us to add, please email the Best Practice team at Crisis bestpractice@crisis.org.uk.
Eligibility: Check with Aberdeen City Council Housing Advice Team for eligibility criteria
Phone: 03000 200 292 (Ask for the Housing Advice Service); Homelessness (24 hour) - 0800 9176 379
Local Authority: Aberdeen City
Eligibility: Check with Angus Council Housing Options service for eligibility criteria.
Phone: 03452 777 778
Local Authority: Angus
Eligibility: Those who are homeless or threatened with homelessness Those who are at risk of becoming homeless Those who are on a low income
Phone: 01546 605522 (Switchboard); 01546 606877 (Lochgilphead office); 0345 056 5457 (Emergency Out of Office Hours)
Local Authority: Argyll and Bute
Eligibility: Check with Clackmannanshire Council Housing Options team for eligibility criteria
Phone: 01259 225115
Local Authority: Clackmannanshire
Eligibility: Check with the Housing Services team for eligibility criteria
Phone: 01851 822691(Housing Services); 01851 709338 (Lewis & Harris); 01870 602425 (Uist & Barra)
Local Authority: Comhairle nan Eilean Siar
Eligibility: Those who are on a low income and in housing need with a connection to Dumfries and Galloway
Phone: 01387 269161
Local Authority: Dumfries and Galloway
Eligibility: People considered to be homeless or threatened by homelessness.
Phone: 01382 433003
Local Authority: Dundee
Eligibility: Check with the DIGS team for eligibility criteria
Phone: Mob 07939 073695 (Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme) / 01563 554400 (Housing Options)
Local Authority: East Ayrshire, North Ayrshire
Eligibility: Clients must be aged 16 or over, homeless or threatened with homelessness, on a low income and/or benefits but capable of living independently.
Phone: 0900 123 4510 (Switchboard no)
Local Authority: East Dunbartonshire
Eligibility: Anyone at risk of homelessness or without sufficient funds to pay for a deposit.
Phone: 01620 827 536
Local Authority: East Lothian
Eligibility: To be eligible for this scheme, applicants must have an assessed housing need and be able to afford rent but have insufficient funds to cover upfront costs for accessing private rented accommodation.
Phone: 0141 577 3001 (Housing Advice Team) ; 0141 881 2032 (CAB)
Local Authority: East Renfrewshire
Eligibility: Anyone can apply for the scheme. Successful applicants will be those the council feel satisfied are able to sustain a tenancy. There will be an interview by the Housing Options team.
Phone: 01324 590797 (ask for Option 2)
Local Authority: Falkirk
Eligibility: People who find themselves homeless, or threatened with homelessness Anyone interested in the private rented sector, regardless of current tenure
Phone: 01592 201849
Local Authority: Fife
Eligibility: Households at risk of homelessness, who are unable to find the cash required for a deposit.
Phone: 0141 565 1200 Switchboard / 0141 565 1212
Local Authority: Glasgow
Eligibility: The HDGS has been developed to assist people who:- Have a housing need in Highland Who are on a low income and are:- Unable to raise a rent deposit by their own means and,are able to sustain a tenancy with minimal support if required. Are aged 25 or over; however, consideration can be given on an individual basis depending on circumstances. Who have a local connection to the Highlands
Phone: 01349 886602 (Housing Options) & 01349 886691 (Out of Hours)
Local Authority: Highland
Eligibility: Check with the website/Head office
Phone: 0131 271 3394
Local Authority: Midlothian
Eligibility: You may qualify for the scheme if you: are in severe housing need or at risk of homelessness; have a local connection to Moray; are unable to find the funds for a deposit; and return positive tenancy checks from your current/previous landlord.
Phone: 0300 123 4566 (Housing Optons)/ OR 03457 565656 (emergency/out of hours - from 5pm – 8.45am & weekends)
Local Authority: Moray
Eligibility: Applicants may be successful if they; are in receipt of benefits; have a low wage or income; cannot raise a deposit to secure a tenancy in the private rented sector (PRS).
Phone: 01294 314 700
Local Authority: North Ayrshire
Eligibility: Applicants seeking accommodation in North Lanarkshire; aged 16 years and over; have a level of housing need; are on a low income and therefore unable to raise the deposit on their own.
Phone: See Local Housing office contact details below
Local Authority: North Lanarkshire
Eligibility: Clients must be homeless or threatened with homelessness; be without the funds required to pay a cash deposit; be able to demonstrate that they can pay the rent each month.
Phone: 01856 873535 (ask for Homelessness & Advice Section)
Local Authority: Orkney
Showing 1 to 20 of 29 schemes