Newark & Sherwood District Council

If you are homeless, or likely to lose your home, and cannot find the bond that landlords usually need, you may be entitled to help under the Rent Deposit Scheme.

The scheme aims to help homeless people find decent, affordable accommodation by offering landlords a range of benefits and support. To be eligible you must be aged 16 or over, be unemployed or on a low income, be homeless or threatened with homelessness, have little or no savings, be capable of living independently and have a local connection to Newark and Sherwood.

How do you benefit?

We will offer your landlord a guarantee (up to a maximum of £750) against arrears, loss or damage in place of the traditional deposit. We can help to set up your claim for housing benefit, if required, and arrange to keep in contact with both the applicant and landlord to minimise problems arising from any disputes which may occur.

What does the council ask of you in return?

You will be expected to:

• Keep to the terms of your tenancy agreement
• Respect your neighbours
• Co-operate with the Housing Options staff and any other representatives of the council
• Refund any money that the scheme has to pay out on your behalf

What do you need to do next?

You will need to complete the Rent Deposit Application Form (when applying, any money owed to the council is also taken into consideration).

Once your application has been approved you will then need to find a property. If you are claiming housing benefit you can discuss possible benefit levels with your Case Officer or you can contact the Housing Benefit Section direct.

If you have already found a property, you must not move in until you have been interviewed and accepted on to the scheme.

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