WHAT IS IT?

The Private Sector Tenancy Support Scheme will support tenants who may be new to a tenancy or who are struggling tom maintain their tenancy.

HOW WILL LANDLORDS BENEFIT?

The Scheme aims to reduce the incidence of failed tenancies and encourage private sector landlords to let their accommodation in the knowledge that support for tenants can help to create stable and secure tenancies.

Specifically, Landlords will benefit from the:

• Support provided to tenants in claiming housing benefit
• Periodic monitoring of housing benefit
• Help for tenants in maximizing income

In addition, Landlords accepting tenants through the Bond Scheme will be covered by the Bond Guarantee.

Staff will visit tenants in their own homes at least once a week and support them to work through practical issues and any other issues which may be causing them difficulties.

ABOUT THE SCHEME

For prospective tenants, participating in the Bond Scheme is now a condition of participation, so the landlord will be notified if the tenant has failed to meet with the support worker.

For existing tenants the support is voluntary and relies on people wanting to sort things out. The support is free.

It can last as long as needed to help enable the tenant to sort out issues and settle in the accommodation.

Details of the support will generally remain confidential between the tenant and the support worker. However, where specific issues are being resolved which directly impact on their tenancy - e.g. sorting out arrears or housing benefit claims, then tenants will be asked to give the worker permission to liaise with the landlord and other relevant agencies as appropriate.

HOW TO MAKE A REFERRAL

If you have a new tenant or a tenant struggling to maintain their tenancy please mention this scheme to them and ask them if they would like to talk to us, in confidence, about the support we can offer.

HOW TO CONTACT US

Please ring: 0129873798 or 01298767485 to find out more or to make a referral on behalf of a tenant or prospective tenant.

Alternatively, tenants or prospective tenants can call us direct on the same telephone number.

Staff will contact the tenant direct and arrange an initial meeting to talk about the scheme.

If you have made a referral we will let you know if the tenant has accepted support.

WHO ELSE IS INVOLVED?

This project has been developed in partnership with Derbyshire Dales District Council and High Peak Community Housing.

The project is funded by the East Midlands Regional Housing Board.

We work closely with a number of other people and organizations to provide further support, including:

Social Services

Local GPS

Housing Authorities

Community drug and alcohol teams

Training and education services

Probation services