To view information on the Rent in Advance Scheme in pdf format please click here
What is it?
A scheme set up by South Hams District Council to help homeless people get private rented accommodation where they cannot afford the rent in advance required by landlords. The Council will provide an interest free loan to applicants by way of paying the first months rent directly to landlords.
The homeless person agrees to repay the loan to the Council over the period of the tenancy or in full at the end of the tenancy. The homeless person would be required as a condition of receiving the loan to accept that taking up the private rented accommodation would discharge this Councils duty to assist them as a homeless person.
Who is entitled to use the scheme?
- Applicants must have been accepted by South Hams District Council as homeless and owed a full duty in accordance with the homeless legislation.
- Applicants will not be entitled to the rental loan if they have money owing to the Council through this scheme or the deposit guarantee scheme.
Landlords must:
- Offer at least a six month shorthold tenancy
- Not be resident in the property or providing bed and breakfast or board and lodgings
- Have property which conforms to Health and Safety Standards
How do I apply?
Contact:
South Hams District Council
Housing Advice Section
Follaton House
Plymouth Road
Totnes
TQ9 5NE
Tel: 01803 861234
Please note that this scheme is subject to limited funding, so please check with a Housing Advisor before negotiating with landlords.
