What is the bond scheme?
The aim of a bond scheme is to provide assistance to people who cannot afford a cash deposit.
Landlords are offered a bond by the local council. It is not a traditional cash deposit, more a guarantee that they will pay compensation if required at the end of the tenancy. The bond is usually capped to the months rent amount.
Some bonds are for the term of your tenancy, however some are offered on a 6 or 12 month basis, in which time you should have made arrangements to pay off the deposit amount and convert the bond to a cash deposit.
As part of the homeless prevention work undertaken by all Merseysides Housing Options Teams, the Rent Deposit Scheme aims to help households who are homeless or threatened with homelessness obtain good standard private accommodation.
Eligibility to use the bond scheme, relies on the applicants circumstances, the local council will deem whether you are a priority case in order to be accepted. However, the landlord must also ensure that the property is eligible, and it must adhere to minimum regulations and standards.
PLA Lettings, ensures all of our properties meet these regulations, and the majority of our properties accept the bond scheme, and work closely with Liverpool, Sefton and Knowsleys Housing options teams.
If you think you are eligble for these scehmes, then contact your local one stop shop or use the contact numbers below.
Liverpool City Council
The Housing Options Service can be reached via any One Stop Shop or by phoning Careline on 0151 233 3800 (Freephone 0800 731 6844).
Knowsley Borough Council
Call the Housing Options Service on 0800 694 0280 for a confidential and private discussion. Opening hours are Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm (Wednesday 9am – 4pm). An out of hours service is available in an emergency.
You can call in to see them between 9.30am and 1pm at Kirkby One Stop Shop on any Monday, Wednesday or Friday or Huyton One Stop Shop on any Tuesday or Thursday. Or email at info@knowsleyhousingoptions.org.uk.
Sefton Council
The Housing Options Team, Ground Floor, Merton House, Stanley Road, Bootle L20 3UU
Tel: 0151 934 3541, E-mail: housing.options@sefton.gov.uk, Opening Times: Monday-Thursday 10 am to 4 pm, Friday 10am to 3 pm
If you are single, with no priority need there are also other Supporting agencies that might be able to offer advice and support :
The Basement Night Drop In
36 Bolton Street, Liverpool 3 5LX
0151 707 1515 (during the evening).
Website: www.basementdropin.org.uk
email: support@basementdropin.org.uk
The Whitechapel Centre
Langsdale Street, Liverpool 3 8DY
0151 207 7617 (during the day).
Website:www.whitechapelcentre.co.uk
email: info@whitechapelcentre.co.uk