The private rented sector offers people choice about where they live and the type of property they rent. The Tenancy Access Scheme can help people in housing difficulties with limited finances to access suitable and affordable privately rented accommodation in Stratford-on-Avon district. We will assess the persons Housing and Support needs, establish if they are eligible for help through the scheme and be satisfied that they can sustain a privately rented tenancy.
The Housing Advice privacy statement documents how we may use your data.
What help is offered?
Rent in Advance
The Council may pay up to one month's rent in advance direct to the landlord. Tenants pay back the loan in regular affordable instalments from their wages or benefits from the start of the tenancy.
Cash Deposit and/or Deposit Bond
The Scheme has flexible options available, depending on the landlord's preference
- 5 weeks cash deposit and approximately 3 weeks deposit bond (equating to 2 months protection across the 2 schemes) or
- 2 months deposit bond
The cash deposit will be paid direct to the landlord and will be protected in a Deposit Protection Scheme (DPS). The tenant will pay back the loan in regular affordable instalments from their wages or benefits from the start of the tenancy and/or when the tenancy ends. The deposit bond gives the private landlord a written guarantee instead of a cash deposit. The cash deposit and the deposit bond protect the private landlord against unpaid rent and any damages beyond fair wear and tear that the tenants are responsible for, up to the value of the cash deposit or deposit bond. Any claim made by the landlord, and paid out by the Council against the Deposit Bond will be repayable by the tenants.
Rent Guarantee
The rent guarantee gives the landlord a written guarantee and protects them against unpaid rent, which remains outstanding at the end of the tenancy, up to the value of 1 month's rent. Any claim made by the landlord, and paid out by the Council against the Rent Guarantee will be repayable by the tenants.
Paid for Inventory
An inventory will normally be required.
The Council may:
- offer to pay for an external inventory company to complete the pre and post tenancy inspections or
- pay a contribution towards the agent landlord's fees
Credit Reference Check and References
The Council will offer to provide a credit report and housing reference to landlords.
Optional HHSRS inspection
The Council will offer landlords the option of a pre-tenancy inspection by
- the Tenant and Landlord Liaison Officer or
- a Housing Health Safety Rating System (HHSRS) inspection by the Private Sector Housing Team.
How does the scheme work?
Once the property has been viewed and both the prospective tenant and landlord are happy to proceed, the Council will carry out a financial assessment to check affordability. The Council will contact the landlord to discuss what help they require through the Tenancy Access Scheme. The Council will visit the property to check that it is in a reasonable condition and that all relevant certification such as Gas safety checks and Energy Performance Certificate are in place. The tenant and landlord will be required to sign a Tenancy Access Agreement which outlines the terms and conditions of the Tenancy Access Scheme. If necessary, Universal Credit or Housing Benefit may offer tenants help towards the rent. Rent payments must be paid in full, irrespective of whether there is a shortfall between benefit payments and the total cost of your rent. The landlord should provide the tenant with a copy of the inventory and the tenant should confirm it is accurate within 14 days of the tenancy starting. The inventory will be used to assess any damage or loss to the property or its contents at the end of the tenancy. Eligibility for assistance through the scheme must be assessed by the Housing Advice Team BEFORE the Tenancy Agreement is signed or the tenant moves into the property.
Assistance during the tenancy
The Tenant & Landlord Liaison Officer (TLLO) at the Council is here to help you if you have any queries or questions in relation to the Tenancy Access Scheme tenancy. The TLLO will assist the tenant and landlord during the tenancy offering information and advice, for example in relation to:
- Rent payments
- Support available from other agencies and organisations
- Benefit queries e.g. Universal Credit, Housing Benefit or Discretionary Housing Payment
- Property condition
- Relationships with neighbours
- Ending the tenancy
Please contact the Tenant and Landlord Liaison Officer in the Housing Advice Team
What happens when the tenancy is ending?
If the tenancy is ending, the tenant and landlord (or letting agent) will need to liaise and contact the Tenant & Landlord Liaison Officer at the Council. The Tenant and Landlord Liaison Officer will provide information on both the tenant and landlords responsibilities and the claim process for the Tenancy Access Scheme. Please contact the Tenant and Landlord Liaison Officer in the Housing Advice Team
Contact Information
