New private rental service will help more vulnerable people find a home
A revamped and improved service will help support homeless and vulnerable people to rent private accommodation in Plymouth.
Plymouth City Council has awarded a contract to Plymouth Access to Housing (PATH) to provide Deposit Guarantees and the Renting Support Service that helps people into private rented accommodation.
The deposit guarantee is a legally binding agreement between PATH, the landlord and the tenant. It replaces the ‘up front’ cash deposit normally required by landlords. PATH will guarantee to pay up to the agreed amount if there is any damage to the property or rent arrears.
The Council says that the new service will:
- Prevent people from becoming homeless
- Reduce the need for temporary accommodation
- Maximise the use of good quality private rented accommodation
- Increase the number of private rented tenancies that are successfully maintained in the long term
- Support tenants and landlords with advice
Councillor Chris Penberthy, Cabinet member for Co-operatives and Community Development said: “These are tough times and the deposit guarantee service is vitally important to prevent people ending up homeless. We must protect vulnerable people and this service supports them to find a stable home.”
The Deposit Guarantee service also works closely with private landlords to encourage them to rent to people who are vulnerable or on Housing Benefit. It offers on-going support to help tenants maintain their tenancy, pay their rent and save for a deposit to use once the Deposit Guarantee has expired.
Director of PATH, Mike Taylor said: “We are delighted to be awarded this contract to continue and build on our private rented work. For many people locally and across the country, private renting is the main accommodation option. In Plymouth there are many good landlords and agents, who we are glad to be working with over the next few months and years. We look forward to working with them, with the Council’s Housing Department and with partners to prevent homelessness and help people who need support to set up new homes.”
A Council spokesperson said: "Research has shown that without the Deposit Guarantee scheme there would be a reduction in the availability of private rented accommodation and then an increase in the number of people facing homelessness."
