Bond Guarantee Scheme

What is the Bond Guarantee Scheme?

  • The aim of the scheme is to help those who are homeless or threatened with homelessness to access privately rented accommodation.
  • Housing Options will provide the landlord with a guarantee in the form of a written agreement instead of a cash bond.
  • The guarantee will last for a minimum of six months and a maximum of two years from the start of the tenancy.

 

Am I eligible for the Bond Guarantee Scheme?

You may be eligible for the scheme if you can answer 'yes' to both of the following questions:

  • Are you homeless or at risk of becoming homeless?
  • Do you have a local connection to the Borough of Stockton-on-Tees?

 

How do I apply for the scheme?

  1. If you think you might be eligible for the Bond Guarantee Scheme and would like to apply, you will have to attend an initial interview with a Housing Options Officer.  At this interview, you will discuss your current housing situation and the different ways in which it could be resolved.  After this discussion, if you would still like to apply for the Bond Guarantee Scheme and the Housing Options Officer thinks that you might be eligible, you will be considered for acceptance onto the scheme.
  2. Your Housing Options Officer will carry out a full assessment of your application to decide if you are eligible for the scheme - this will include making enquiries into your housing history, obtaining references from previous landlords and talking with other organisations that you receive support from.
  3. Once the assessment is complete, we will advise you of the outcome and let you know if we are able to offer you a bond guarantee.
  4. If you qualify for the scheme, you will need to find an affordable, suitable property with a landlord who is willing to accept a guarantee in place of a cash bond.  [The landlord must be a member of Stockton-on-Tees Borough Council's Landlord Accreditation scheme, or must have at least applied to join the scheme.  Information about the scheme and a downloadable application form are available at http://www.stockton.gov.uk/citizenservices/housing/privatelandlords/accreditationscheme/.]
  5. Housing Options will then liaise with the landlord to put the guarantee in place.

[Housing Options reserves the right to refuse to provide or withdraw a guarantee for any applicant or landlord who is not considered suitable for the scheme or who has provided false information in association with the application.]

Bond Guarantee Scheme