Rent deposit schemes

Most private landlords want a month's rent in advance and a month's deposit before you can move into their accommodation. This can be a real problem for most people on benefit or a low income. There are some organisations that can help though.

Some charities and councils have set up schemes that help people with these costs. They usually give a guarantee to the landlord that they will pay the money to the landlord if the tenant fails to do so for any reason. Some schemes actually give the landlord the cash upfront.

There are schemes of this type in most parts of London but they all operate differently. Who can apply is also different for different schemes. Those schemes run by councils can only be used by people already living in their area. Some will help you to rent outside of their area, whereas others will only help you with renting a flat in their area.

Contact your local housing advice centre for details of schemes in your area. You can find them by clicking on www.homelesslondon.org.uk or on the council website which can be found by clicking on www.oultwood.com/localgov/uk.

The National Rent Deposit Forum should be able to tell you about schemes in your area. You can contact them from their website (click on www.nrdf.org.uk) or by phoning them on 0121 616 5067.

Click to go to the top of the page

Click on these links to reach different parts of the website:
Private renting - Council or housing association - Buying your own home
Hostels - Jobs with accommodation - Moving out of London
What's right for me? - Help - Contacts & info - Go back to the start