Landlords of privately rented
accommodation may require a deposit before agreeing to a
tenancy. The deposit covers the cost of any damage done to the
property while the tenant is living there.
Some tenants want to rent privately but cannot afford to pay a
deposit. Suffolk Coastal's rent deposit guarantee scheme helps
people on low incomes to rent privately by guaranteeing to pay the
damage deposit (equivalent of a maximum of one month's rent),
should a genuine claim be made by the landlord.
Who is eligible?
Prospective tenants must be homeless or at risk of becoming
homeless and able to provide evidence of one of the
following:
- on a low income (qualifying criteria apply).
- eligible for Housing Benefit.
- 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.
- must have a local connection.
Who is not eligible?
Prospective tenants will not be eligible if they have:
- rent arrears on previous tenancies.
- been served with an Anti-Social Behaviour Order.
- other reasons that may jeopardise access to a
tenancy.
How long is the deposit guarantee for?
For a minimum six month tenancy agreement.
What does the deposit guarantee cover?
The deposit guarantee will cover a maximum of one months rent
for loss or damage to the property or any items on the inventory
caused by the tenant, and not covered by household insurance.
What will not be covered by the deposit guarantee?
It will not cover:
- normal cleaning costs - tenants should ensure that the property
is left in an acceptable condition.
- damage to communal areas.
- criminal damage.
- items covered by normal household contents insurance.
What do landlords need to do to take part in the scheme?
To take part in the scheme, landlords are expected to meet a
range of good practice criteria. They must:
- provide a legally binding, written tenancy agreement.
- provide the tenant with a rent book.
- ensure the accommodation is suitable for the size of the
household.
- ensure the property is in good repair and condition.
- maintain the structure and exterior of the property.
- not have any convictions for illegal evictions or
harassment.
- supply a current energy performance certificate.
- supply a current gas certificate.
Finding a property
Once the tenant has found a suitable property, he or she can
contact the landlord direct, or contact Suffolk Coastal's Housing
Options team, who will talk to the landlord on the tenant’s behalf,
providing details of the scheme.
Prospective tenants must not commit themselves to a tenancy
until an inspection has been made and all the paper work received
and completed otherwise they will become ineligible for the
scheme.
Ending the tenancy
At the end of the tenancy, the landlord and the tenant should
inspect the property. An officer from Suffolk Coastal can attend
the inspection, if requested by either party. If a claim is made
against the damage deposit, this will be recharged to the
tenant.
Can the scheme be used more than once?
Yes, tenants can use the scheme again, however, they will not be
considered if they have breached a condition of the tenancy or
caused damage to a rented property.
For further information please contact:
Housing Options
Suffolk Coastal District Council
Melton Hill
Woodbridge
Suffolk IP12 1AU
Telephone: 01394 444237
Fax: 01394 444743
Email:
homelessness@suffolkcoastal.gov.uk
The information on this page is also available in this
Rent deposit guarantee scheme (new window PDF
282KB) leaflet.
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