The Rent Deposit Scheme operates in partnership with the Resettlement and Support Initiative in South Lanarkshire.  The Scheme was launched in September 2005 as part of South Lanarkshire Councils Homelessness Strategy 2006-2012.

BACKGROUND

The Rent Deposit Scheme initiated through consultation between South Lanarkshire Rough Sleepers Initiative and the Hamilton Churches Jubilee Key Scheme, and was funded initially through the Rough Sleepers Initiative challenge funding and funds raised by the churches to support the issue of guarantee bonds.  The Scheme was established to provide a guarantee bond specifically for people who could not otherwise access accommodation or those in severe housing need who wished to exercise choice, outwith public housing, in terms of type and location of accommodation.  The Scheme also provided, through the Rough Sleepers Initiative the necessary support for clients (many of whom had long-term needs) to help sustain the tenancy.

Many homeless people have limited housing options, and in particular the requirement from landlords for cash deposits and rent in advance meant that access to the Private Rented Sector could be practically impossible for those in housing need.  This has resulted in many vulnerable people remaining in unsuitable accommodation such as hostels, bed and breakfast, sleeping on friends/relatives floors or sleeping rough.  Due to the success of the initial Scheme, funding was secured through South Lanarkshire Council to expand the service as part of the Councils Homelessness Strategy.

REMIT

The main aim of the Rent Deposit Scheme is to contribute towards tackling homelessness in South Lanarkshire.  The aims of the Rent Deposit Scheme are consistent with the high level national outcomes identified by the Homelessness Monitoring Group:

• Preventing Rough Sleeping
• Existing homelessness becoming more visible
• Securing sustainable resettlement for homeless households
• Reducing the number of households that become homeless
• Reducing the duration of homelessness

The Scheme focuses on:-

a)                  providing a service for homeless people or those at risk of rough sleeping

b)                  people who are assessed as benefiting from the Scheme because it provides the best housing option

c)                  providing people in need of housing with an alternative to inappropriate temporary accommodation

The Rent Deposit Scheme aims to provide a response to clients according to their varying needs, ranging from clients with low or no support needs to those who have much longer term needs.

Table 1

Service Users Composition at any given time
Level of Support	Length of Support	Numbers
RSI and other high needs groups Intensive	Unlimited support	40 Service Users at any given time: almost exclusively RSI clients
High	6 months
Low or Nil	Up to 4 weeks	150 Service Users

The Rent Deposit Scheme aims to work with 190 Service Users at given any time with an expected annual turnover of 340.  As up to 40 of these clients could have high support, it is expected that 300 clients would have low or no support requirements.

REFERRAL

The main referral agency to the Scheme is South Lanarkshire Council, however referrals can be made from other agencies or self referrals.

The Demand for the service is high with an average 50-60 referrals made per month.  As of 30 September 2007 the Scheme was assisting in providing accommodation for some 358 service users, which exceeds out yearly target.  The ongoing support needs of many clients have also proven to be higher than originally anticipated.

The Service has recently carried out a review and ongoing discussions with South Lanarkshire Council will result in a revised service in line with the agreed targets and outcomes.

OUR SERVICE

Private Sector Landlords often ask for a cash deposit when they let a property.  The Scheme operates by providing a written guarantee to landlords in view of the required cash deposit, which is normally equivalent to a months rent.

The guarantee bond covers:-

• Damage to property/inventory items beyond fair wear at tear.
• Rent due following tenant leaving the property without giving notice (subject to housing benefit payable).

The bond does not cover:-

• Fair wear and tear
• Rent in advance
• Unpaid utility bills
• Charges for services or utilities

The Scheme offers assistance to people who are homeless or in severe housing need and who are unable to afford the required deposit for private sector accommodation.  Suitability for the Scheme is assessed on the level of support required to sustain the tenancy and the capacity to meet any rent charge.

Advice and information is also provided to landlords in terms of:-

• Housing Legislation
• Housing Benefit
• Rights and Responsibilities of Landlords

The Scheme has successfully provided access to private sector accommodation and support to homeless households in South Lanarkshire since July 2000 and is now established as an integral part of South Lanarkshire Councils Homeless Strategy.

Service details last update on 30/11/2007