Scottish Borders Council Deposit Guarantee Scheme

Project summary

The deposit guarantee scheme can help people who are homeless, or at risk of becoming homeless, to access private rented sector housing if they are not able to pay the deposit normally required by a landlord.

Clients

Who is eligible?

If you are a tenant, you can apply for the scheme if you are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless and meet the following criteria:

• on a low income (qualifying criteria) 
• eligible for housing benefits 
• unable to raise the full rent deposit by own means 
• have difficulty in accessing social housing 
• able to sustain a tenancy with reasonable housing support

Client services

• Assistance with application for community care grants and budgeting loans
• Assessment of client needs
• Legal support on rights and responsibilities for tenants
• Tenancy support service
• Bond Guarantees
• Referral to support services
• Benefit maximisation
• Property inspection
• Client support plan
• Signposting for education, volunteering and employment opportunities
• Referrals to funiture projects
• Welcome packs (food, furniture, kitchen items, etc)
• Practical support for tenants (e.g. advice on setting up tenancy/deposit)
• Relevant certificates obtained before tenancy (Gas Safety Certificate etc)

How are referrals made

For more information about this scheme please contact Homelessness Services

Landlords

Landlord services

• Updates on new legislation
• Model tenancy agreements
• Ongoing tenancy support
• Landlord Forums
• Mediation services
• Bond guarantee
• Housing Benefit assistance
• Inventory
• Links to landlord accreditation schemes

Location of landlord's properties

Scottish Borders

Other information

Type of organisation: Local authority

Last updated: 26/04/2023 08:11

Local Authority: Scottish Borders