SERVICE DETAILS
The Rent Deposit Scheme was set up in 2017 by End Youth Homelessness with funding from Yorkshire Building Society to help young people gain access to the private rented sector.
Since the end of last year we have been identifying 16-25 year olds we work with who could benefit from this scheme. They are young people who are in a position to move into the private rented sector and support themselves, but who need the initial support and advice to get them set up.
Young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, leaving home for the first time with no savings, no family support and no landlord references, can struggle to access social or private housing even if they are in receipt of the income and/or benefits that would enable them to maintain a tenancy.
If they are allowed to view a property despite being on low incomes or in receipt of benefits, they will then face the mostly impossible task of paying a large deposit and providing references from landlords when they have no history of renting.
As well as helping these young people to find an appropriate and affordable tenancy, we help them by providing landlords with a guarantee certificate in place of a traditional cash deposit. This security bond (a formal agreement) protects the landlord from damage or rent arrears, while helping young people to secure a home. We always work with landlords to decide on the best solution for all parties involved, including the young people.
In addition, the young people receive the advice and practical help they need to turn that property into a home and sustain the tenancy as long as it is required and wanted. Each young person supported through the Rent Deposit Scheme will benefit from financial advice and dedicated support to help build their life skills and confidence. We deliver tailored support to each and every young person involved in the scheme.
Since we launched this project we have worked with 19 Landlords across Edinburgh, East Lothian, Midlothian and West Lothian, and have already successfully housed 39 young people. These 39 young people were provided with move-in grants and helped with initial rent payments/deposits where required. In 2021, we will be expanding the reach of this project further as we continue in our aim to end youth homelessness for good.
If you are a young person and feel you could benefit from this scheme, or if you are a landlord interested in supporting it, please email admin@rocktrust.org or call 0131 557 4059.
