South Lanarkshire Rent Deposit Scheme Service

Ypeople’s rent deposit scheme Service is based in Hamilton. Ypeople works in partnership with South Lanarkshire Council and Hamilton Churches Jubilee Key Scheme to help people who are either homeless or threatened with homelessness to find a solution to their housing needs through the private rented sector.

The rent deposit scheme service can support up to 190 tenancies at any time in the Hamilton, Larkhall, East Kilbride, Blantyre, Lanark, Rutherglen & Cambuslang areas.

Many private sector landlords require a cash deposit before they will agree to let a property to tenants. Ypeople provides a written guarantee to landlords in place of the required cash deposit which the tenant will then repay in regular instalments – offering landlords deposit protection.

Each person referred to Ypeople has a support worker who ensures they meet the criteria for the rent deposit scheme. The rent deposit scheme service also ensures prospective landlords meet the required criteria, and are willing to accept the guarantee bond instead of a cash deposit.

If all parties are agreeable, Ypeople issues a bond to the landlord for an initial six month period, which may be extended to a further six months, or in exceptional cases a further 12 months to allow the tenant time to accrue the deposit. Ypeople will check with the tenant and landlord at regular intervals to ensure that the repayment plan is being adhered to and offer our support if required.

Our rent deposit scheme service is available to both the tenant and the landlord at any time to offer support, advice and advocacy if required.

What the guarantee covers:

• Loss or damage to the property/inventory items caused by the tenant (or visitors) which is not caused by reasonable wear and tear.

What the guarantee does not cover:

• Reasonable wear and tear
• Rent in advance
• Unpaid utility bills
• Charges for services and utilities
• Rent due following a tenant leaving without giving notice

Who can apply?

• Priority need households where private rented sector is best option(Regulation 32A)
• Households assessed as non-priority
• Households, intentionally homeless or refused reasonable offer
• Option to prevent homelessness

AND unable to find the cash required for deposit

How to apply:

• All referrals to the rent deposit scheme service must come via South Lanarkshire Council
• An appointment will then be made for applicants to attend an interview where an assessment will be completed to ensure applicants meet the required criteria
• The guarantee bond repayment plan will be fully explained and if accepted a property will be sourced where the landlord will accept the bond.

For further information please contact:

South Lanarkshire Rent Deposit Scheme
Room 6, Brandon House
23-25 Brandon Street
Hamilton
ML3 6DA

Tel: 01698 891551
Fax: 01698 459618

Email: slrds@ypeople.org.uk