Scheme Introduced To Help Those In Housing Difficulty

Harrogate district residents who want to 'move-on' into rented accommodation are being offered help as Harrogate Borough Council unveils its latest project to support those in housing difficulty.

The council is establishing a rent bond guarantee scheme to assist those wanting to rent property who may not have the funds to pay the 'up front bond' necessary to secure a tenancy. In this scheme, the council will provide the landlord with a bond guarantee.


Councillor Jean Butterfield, Cabinet Member for Housing, is backing this initiative. She said: "The number of repossessions nationally is increasing as discounted rate mortgages come to an end and the effects of the credit crunch bite.

"We are constantly seeking ways in which we can help. This rent bond guarantee scheme offers landlords the chance to let properties more quickly by taking a written guarantee from us rather than a deposit which some prospective tenants simply can't find. Many people can afford the rent for a property but just don't have enough behind them to pay the bond. This scheme therefore benefits both landlords and tenants."

(CD/JM)