Reading Borough Council Rent Guarantee Scheme (RGS)

Project summary

The scheme matches people who need homes with landlords who have properties to let. We pay the rent directly to the landlord, in advance. It also guarantees to pay up to six weeks' rent as a tenancy deposit, to cover costs if the property is damaged by your tenants.

Clients

Who is eligible?

To be accepted onto the scheme you must: •Have a local connection AND •Be homeless or threatened with homelessness AND •Be receiving benefits or on a low income AND •Have no other way of finding a deposit AND •Have a good tenancy history AND •Be actively engaging with any support services

Client services

• Assistance with finding properties in the PRS
• Deposit guarantee
• Housing Benefit assistance
• Practical support for tenants (e.g. advice on setting up tenancy/deposit)
• Property inspection
• Referral to support services
• Tenancy support service

You will be required to attend a two hour workshop which covers:
•how the RGS works and its benefits to landlords
•how to find private rented accommodation and the do's and don'ts when attending viewings
•information on benefits and income including money management and debt advice

How are referrals made

To apply contact the Homeless Prevention Service (Housing Advice Team)

Landlords

Landlord services

• Deposit guarantee
• Inventory
• Fast track Housing Benefit claims
• Direct payment of Housing Benefit
• Ongoing tenancy support

Fast turnaround, minimal void periods, reference checked tenants, Deposit guarantee of one month’s rent held against loss or damage to the property (in excess of fair wear and tear), or rent arrears - completely FREE service!

Other information

Organisation: Reading Borough Council

Type of organisation: Local Authority

Last updated: 26/04/2023 08:11

Local Authority: Reading