Wealden Deposit Guarantee Scheme
The Wealden Deposit Guarantee scheme is to assist people who are in housing need, but are unable to afford a deposit for a privately rented property.
Who can apply?
You will need to be eligible to appear on Wealden’s Housing Register which means that you will be at least 18 years of age and working, or living in the district. You will also be on a low income or benefits and unable to afford a deposit for a tenancy that you will have found.
What is the deposit guarantee?
The guarantee is a bond between Wealden District Council, the landlord and the tenant. If the application is accepted, Wealden will issue a certificate to the landlord undertaking to guarantee a deposit of up to four weeks rent. During the period that the guarantee is in effect, the landlord may make a claim on the guarantee if he wishes to claim any money from the deposit. If the landlord is paid out under the Deposit Guarantee Scheme, the cost of that payout will be recovered from the tenant by Wealden.
How to apply?
You will need to have already found a landlord or letting agent who is ready to rent a property to you in Wealden. You can find potential landlords through the local press such as the Friday Ad, or through a local letting agency.
Application form
You need to complete the Wealden Deposit Guarantee Scheme application form (pdf 90 kd) together with your landlord and return it to the Housing Advice Team at the Hailsham Council offices.
The application form will be processed within 24 hours as we realise that most landlords do not want to wait around for an answer when other potential tenants are out there. If your application is accepted, your landlord will be issued with a certificate which he should keep safe.
