Bond Guarantee Scheme - Tenants information

• What is the Bond Guarantee Scheme?
• Who can apply?
• How can I apply to the scheme?
• What type of accommodation will I get?
• How does the guarantee work?
• Will I have to pay anything to the council?
• How much rent will I have to pay?
• Contact Housing Options and Support Service

What is the Bond Guarantee Scheme?

Kirklees Council's Bond Guarantee scheme offers private landlords a guarantee, instead of a cash deposit. This can enable you to find a privately rented property even if you are not able to afford your own deposit.

Who can apply?

To get help you must:

• Be homeless, about to become homeless, or living in insecure accommodation
• Be on a low income or benefits and have little or no savings
• Be able to maintain a tenancy
• Be likely to have a 'priority need' under the homelessness legislation
• Be able to show a local connection with Kirklees

How can I apply to the scheme?

You can apply by contacting Kirklees Council's Housing Options and Support Service to arrange an interview. During the interview, we will advise you of your housing options and we will ask you for information to work out if you can apply for help from the Bond Guarantee Scheme. You may be asked to provide further information such as identification, proof of homelessness, and proof of income and savings.

What type of accommodation will I get?

If you are accepted onto the scheme, we will normally expect you to find your own private rented accommodation, although we may be able to put you in contact with local landlords or agents that have suitable properties to let. You will have a choice of area where you want to live. The final decision as to whether you take up a tenancy, and the terms of the tenancy, will be between you and the landlord of the accommodation.

How does the guarantee work?

The guarantee is in place of the usual cash deposit and covers all the things a normal cash deposit would. Our Private Sector Housing Unit will carry out environmental health checks on property and check that it has the appropriate gas/electricity safety certificates prior to the guarantee being agreed. The landlord must also provide you with a tenancy agreement.

Will I have to pay anything to the council?

From the beginning of the Bond Guarantee you will be expected to start paying into the scheme at a rate agreed at the time. This money will be secured in the Bond Scheme in order for you to raise the equivalent of the Bond Guarantee in a Cash Bond. At the end of the term of your tenancy if no claim is made against the Bond Guarantee the money will be returned to you. Alternatively if there is a claim against the Bond Guarantee any money paid will be offset against the claim.

Providing that the property is left in an acceptable condition and there are no rent arrears when you leave, then your landlord should not make a claim against the Bond Guarantee. However, if the landlord does have valid reason to claim then the council may take steps to recover, from you, any losses incurred as a result.

How much rent will I have to pay?

The amount of rent you will have to pay and the rental period (e.g. monthly, every four weeks, etc.) should be clearly set out in your tenancy agreement. You may be able to get help with paying your rent from housing benefit if you are on a low income or getting assistance with other benefits. If you are on a low income or benefits, it is advisable that you ask the Housing options team about Local Housing Allowance rates before looking for a property. The current Local Housing Allowance rates can be found on the Local housing allowance web page.

Contact

Bond Guarantee Scheme (PDF: 127kb)

The Housing Options and Support Service on 01484 221350