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Rent Deposit Scheme

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Rent Deposit Scheme

The new Rent Deposit scheme will help young people access accommodation in the private rented sector and there are advantages for landlords too.

About the Scheme

EveryYouth (formally End Youth Homelessness), a UK- wide national movement of local charities that aim to end youth homelessness, have launched a Rent Deposit Scheme. St Basils will be delivering this scheme in Birmingham and Solihull.

The Rent Deposit scheme is funded by a host of businesses and corporate partners who have joined forces with EveryYouth to tackle youth homelessness together. The scheme has helped more than 700 young homeless people nationwide to live independently. The scheme has now transitioned into the Housing Fund, which aims to support even more homeless young into a place of their own.

This will be achieved by providing support to young people with rent deposits, home essential grants, and focussed support. The Rent Deposit Scheme also helps private landlords to fill vacant properties quickly and without charge.

Each young person supported through the Rent Deposit Scheme will benefit from financial advice and dedicated support to help build their life skills and confidence

Eligibility criteria

Young people must:

  • Be aged 16-25 years
  • Be homeless or threatened with homelessness
  • Be in receipt of benefits or on a low income
  • Be in control of their own finances, with no or little rent arrears
  • Be capable and confident of living independently
  • Be willing to set up, and make regular payments, into their own savings plan
  • Be willing to look for education, employment and /or training opportunities
  • Be willing to maintain a tenancy for a minimum of 6 months
  • Work with St Basils to resolve any problems that may arise
  • Inform St Basils before taking any action to end their tenancy

Landlords must:

  • Ensure all properties meet basic safety requirements.
  • Be willing to let properties to young people receiving benefits or on low income.
  • Work with St Basils to resolve any problems that may arise.
  • Inform St Basils before taking any action to end a tenancy.
  • Provide evidence of buy to let or mortgage free status.

Find out more – download a leaflet:

Young people  Landlords

Finding a property

Depending on your circumstances, a letting agent or Landlord may ask you for a guarantor. Each letting agent has a different criterion but generally a guarantor will need to be working and/or a homeowner.

If you require support with searching for a property we can help. When you have found a suitable property let us know and we can talk to the landlord or agent on your behalf.

For more information on your rights & responsibilities as a tenant please refer to the Government’s How to Rent Guide at www.gov.uk/private-renting

You can find a private rented home or house share by visiting a letting agent.

The websites listed below may help you find a home to rent.

Interested? Contact Us:

If you’re a young person interested and eligible for this scheme or a landlord interested in getting involved with the scheme, please contact us:

Email: homefinder@stbasils.org.uk

Birmingham Tel: 0300 303 0099

Solihull Tel: 0330 332 7978