Help with paying a deposit or rent in advance
When you have found somewhere to live in the
private rented sector, you are likely to be asked to pay either a
deposit or rent in advance, or sometimes both.
Budgeting loan
If you do not have any money available, you
may be able to apply to the Department of Work and Pensions (DWP)
for a budgeting loan to cover a maximum of four weeks' rent. You
will not be able to get help with any deposit.
A budgeting loan can be considered if you have been in receipt
of Income Support or Job Seeker's Allowance for a period of at
least 26 weeks. This type of loan is offered at the discretion of
the DWP. For further enquiries concerning this, you will need
to contact Jobcentre Plus or the DWP.
The rent deposit scheme
The rent deposit scheme is for people with
children or who are expecting a child. It is a faster route to
housing than living in temporary accommodation and waiting for a
successful bid, which often takes a number of years.
The main benefits of the scheme are choice and
speed. In the private rented sector, you have more choice
about where you live and what type of property you rent.
You will still ultimately be able to access
social housing – once you move into a private rented property you
should continue to bid
If you wish to move out of Tower Hamlets to
anywhere else in England, we can assist you.
The rent deposit scheme can help you to find a
home that is:
- right for you
- affordable
- in the area of your choice
We will also:
- pay the deposit or bond
- pay four weeks rent in advance if
required
- check to ensure you can afford the
property
- help you to put in a claim for housing
benefit
- advise you through the letting process
- offer you tenancy support for the first six
months of your tenancy
If you have children, or are expecting a child, download
the rent
deposit scheme leaflet (PDF, 588k)
Other options
If you are unable to get this type of help,
you may have to consider asking for financial help from your family
or friends. It may be possible that some landlords will make an
arrangement for you to pay extra to build up a deposit. If this is
the case, remember to get receipts for any payments.
Renting a room in shared accommodation will be cheaper than renting
a flat. If you do not have any money, you may have to consider
sharing accommodation until you have managed to save enough money
to move into self-contained accommodation.
How to contact us
Please call us and we will arrange an
appointment for you to come in and see us at our office.
Homeless and Housing Advice Services
Albert Jacob House
62 Roman Road
Bethnal Green
London
E2 0PG
Tel: 020 7364 7474
Fax: 020 7364 7222
Email: homeless@towerhamlets.gov.uk
Open Monday -
Friday 9.30am - 4pm
Access Wheelchair access.
Hearing loop in reception
Nearest tube station: Bethnal Green
Nearest bus routes: 8, D6 (Roman Road), 309 (Globe Road), 106, 254
(Cambridge Heath Road)