Homefinder Scheme
The purpose of the Homefinder Scheme is to prevent homelessness by assisting eligible and willing households secure private rented accommodation. The scheme has been expanded to include households who are now ready for independent living, that are currently in supported housing, or in receipt of support that is funded by Supporting People Services.
When a suitable property has been found and the landlord is willing to consider Local Housing Allowance (Housing Benefits) an assessment for eligibility will be made by our Housing Options and Homelessness Team.
Most landlords will ask for a deposit (normally the equivalent of one or two months rent) and one months rent in advance which can be funded through the Homefinders Scheme. It must be noted that the advance rent is repayable but would not be requested until the tenancy has ended or is 18 months old which ever comes first. In some cases there are agency fees which can amount to as much as £200.00 these can also be funded though the Homefinder Scheme.
All properties will be inspected by Housing Services. The reason for this is to make sure the property meets minimum housing condition requirements.
All eligible applications will be referred to the REACH scheme run by a consortium comprising of DHI, Stonham and Shape, which has been commissioned by Supporting People Services. REACH can help to resettle people into new tenancies through the provision of high quality housing related support. They are able to help with all aspects of a new tenancy.