Bond Guarantee Scheme - Landlord information

• How does the Bond Guarantee scheme work?
• How do I benefit?
• What does Kirklees Council ask of you?
• What if I need to make a claim?
• Who to contact?
• Other useful contacts

How does the Bond Guarantee scheme work?

An Officer from Kirklees Council's Housing Options team will interview potential tenants and assess their suitability to register for the scheme. Those accepted will search for accommodation in the private rented sector.

A bond guarantee is given in place of the usual cash deposit, which is required by most landlords and letting agents. The amount guaranteed will up to the value of one months' rent.

How do I benefit?

The Housing Options team has a list of potential tenants, enabling us to match someone to your property quickly and free of charge.

Prospective tenants are advised with regard to their responsibilities as a tenant, which can help to minimise any potential problems that may arise with the tenancy.

If you have a guarantee from our Bond Guarantee Scheme, your bond will not have to be placed within the Tenancy Deposit Protection Scheme.

We can assist your tenant in claiming any housing benefit they may be entitled to, and provide a single point of contact should any benefit problems arise during the tenancy. In some cases, we may be able to arrange for benefit to be paid directly to you, the landlord.

We can offer advice on tenancy matter and changes in housing legislation.

What does Kirklees Council ask of you?

That you accept a written bond guarantee in place of a cash deposit.

That any property you offer to the scheme conforms to standards as set by the Housing Health and Safety Ratings Systems (HHSRS). We will also check to see if there have been any complaints relating to harassment or illegal eviction, or any notices or enforcement relating to disrepair.

That you are willing to let your property to people who are in receipt of benefits, or on a low income.

That you work with our officers in order to try to resolve any problems and inform us before taking any action to end the tenancy.

That you aim to become a member of Kirklees Council's Landlords Accreditation scheme (please see leaflet 'Kirklees Landlord and Property Accreditation - Information for Landlords' for further details of how to join the scheme and the benefits of being a member.

What if I need to make a claim?

At the commencement of the tenancy, accompanied by the tenant, you will need to complete an inventory of the property, listing the quality and condition of the fixtures, fittings and furnishings. You should retain a copy of this, with additional copies to the tenant and the Housing Options team. You may also wish to take photographs of the interior of the property for future reference.

At the end of the tenancy, if you need to make a claim, you should notify the Housing Options team within five days of the tenant leaving. We will ask you for some evidence to support the claim, such as quotes for damage or a rent book for rent arrears. We will seek to recover all costs paid, from the tenant.

Who to contact?

If you require general advice regarding letting your property, please contact:

Richard Downs, Development Officer (Private Sector Lettings)
Tel: 01484 222785
email: richard.downs@kirklees.gov.uk

Other useful contacts

Bond Guarantee Scheme (PDF: 127kb)

Kirklees Council Housing Options and Support Service (North) - Tel:01924 324310
Kirklees Council Housing Options and Support service (South) - Tel:01484 221350

Private Sector Housing:

• Advice on standards and HMO's
• Landlord and Property Accreditation Scheme