Your location: Help to pay your deposit
This content applies to Scotland only.
Housing laws vary between Scotland and England. This page applies to Scotland only. Get advice relating to England
If you want to move into rented accommodation but are having trouble raising the money for a deposit, rent deposit or guarantee schemes can help you.
What is a rent deposit or guarantee scheme?
- These schemes aim to help people in housing need access accommodation in the private rented sector.
- Instead of you having to pay a deposit and/or rent in advance, the scheme will provide a financial guarantee to your landlord to cover the cost for you.
Who asks for a deposit?
Most private landlords or letting agents ask for a deposit. See the page about deposits for more information.
How do the schemes work?
Different schemes work in different ways.
- Some schemes will find suitable accommodation for you, while others will ask you to find your own property and then negotiate with the landlord on your behalf. In this case, you may even get the deposit or rent reduced.
- Some schemes will check the property over for you, to make sure it's safe and well maintained.
- The deposit and sometimes any advance rent will then be guaranteed for you by the scheme.
- Some schemes will ask you to repay the deposit and advance rent in instalments over a period of time. When you move out, the landlord will refund the deposit to you, provided you haven't damaged the property or left any unpaid rent or bills.
- Other schemes won't ask you to repay the deposit, so when you move out, the deposit is returned to the scheme. However, if the landlord doesn't refund the full deposit because you have damaged the property or left unpaid rent or bills, you will have to pay the scheme back.
- Some schemes offer support in other areas, for example advisers can help you to claim benefits, develop budgeting skills and find furniture for your new home.
Who can apply?
This differs from scheme to scheme, but usually rent deposit schemes are aimed at people who are:
- over 18
- homeless or threatened with homelessness (that is, likely to become homeless in the next two months)
- single or a childless couple
- on a low income or in receipt of benefits.
Who runs rent deposit schemes?
- Local councils.
- Housing associations.
- Voluntary organisations.
- Churches.
- Community groups.
How do I apply?
To see out if there's a tenancy deposit scheme operating near you, get in touch with the council's housing department (you can find details on your council's website) or use the Advice Services Directory to find an advice agency in your area.
