Rent deposit and bond schemes

This content applies to England only.

Housing laws vary between England and Scotland. Get advice relating to Scotland

If you don’t have money for a deposit for private rented accommodation, there may be a scheme in your area that can help you. Some schemes lend you the money for a deposit, but rent guarantee or bond schemes work without the need for any upfront payment to a landlord.

Finding a local scheme

Many areas of the country now have a rent deposit or bond scheme to help people who could not otherwise afford a rent deposit to obtain housing in the private rented sector. They are usually run by a local council or housing association, or sometimes by a charity.

You can search for a private rented sector scheme in your area using the online directory on privaterentedsector.org.uk. If there is no scheme listed there, it’s worth checking locally as well for other schemes that may be available. Contact your local council or use our advice services directory to find an advice centre in your local area that can help.

Rent guarantee or bond schemes

The way that bond schemes or rent guarantee schemes typically work is that an organisation such a council, housing association or charity provides a written guarantee to your landlord that covers damage to the property. The organisation providing the scheme will have a fund of money that it can use to pay for damage if a landlord makes a claim.

If there is a problem at the end of your tenancy, the scheme provider may decide that your landlord is entitled to compensation. In this case, the scheme will pay and you will normally have to repay the money to the scheme.

Rent deposit schemes

Rent deposit schemes offer loans for a deposit. Usually, the council, housing association or charity providing the scheme lends you the money in advance and you pay it back over a period of time from your wages or benefits. If there are no problems, you should get your deposit back at the end of your tenancy.

If you pay a deposit to your landlord, the money must be placed in a government-backed tenancy deposit protection scheme.

Will they help me?

Different schemes have different rules on who can apply – you’ll have to check the rules for the schemes in your area. Schemes run by local councils often provide help to families who are homeless and in priority need.

Some schemes – often run by charities – offer help to certain groups of people, such as: