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The Bond Board came out to inspect the property and were very helpful. (Landlord)

The Bond Board are very easy to deal with and polite.
(Letting Agent - Bury)

I am looking forward to embracing an on-going relationship.(Landlord)

The staff have been very helpful & given me lots of useful help.(Landlord)

The Bond Board helped the tenant get furniture for my property.(Landlord)

They helped me get the rent from the housing benefit department.(Landlord)

Frequently Asked Questions

1) What is a bond?
The Bond Board is a charity that operates a non-cash bond scheme. This means it is a written guarantee that is signed by The Bond Board Ltd, the tenant, and the landlord, and takes the place of a cash deposit. The non-cash bond will cover rent arrears, theft or damage, which is payable once a claim form has been completed by the landlord when the tenant has vacated the property and you provide evidence to support your claim.

2) Do I have to register it with a Tenancy Deposit Scheme?
No, you do not have to register the non-cash bond with a Tenancy Deposit Scheme. You would only have to use the Tenancy Deposit Scheme if you take a cash deposit from the tenant.

3) How much is the bond for?
This varies depending on the number of people moving into the property, the amount of rent, the area the property is in. Please contact your local area for the exact amounts.

4) What does it cover?
The Bond or Deposit Guarantee is a promise to pay up to its value, in the event of rent arrears, theft or damage that occurred during the life span of the bond. The Bond is only payable when the tenancy has been brought to an end and after the tenant has vacated the property.

5) Do you do any checks on tenants?
Applicants interested in applying to our scheme are asked to complete an application form and are then invited to attend an appointment to discuss their application. The Bond Board Ltd will make additional enquiries for its own use and eligibility criteria. It is always recommended that landlords carry out their own checks on the suitability of a prospective tenant.

6) What if I have my own tenant; can they use the scheme?
If you have your own tenant who is currently in a tenancy with you they would not be eligible for our scheme. If you are bringing a tenancy to an end and your tenant may be faced with homelessness, we could talk to them to ascertain if they would be eligible to make an application to us.

7) What do you expect of my property, i.e. condition?
The Bond Board Ltd expects all rented properties to be in a good habitable condition free from disrepair and hazards. We actively encourage landlords to become members of their local area Landlord Accreditation Schemes.

Any furniture, fixtures or fittings should be of the legal basic fitness standard and be free from hazards and disrepair.

In Bury and Rochdale, all properties are inspected by a Project Worker and an inventory is carried out prior to a tenant moving in to that property.

8) Do I still manage the property?
Yes, or use a managing agent.

9) How long does the bond last?
The bond guarantee is in place for twelve months and is negotiable after that time period once it has been agreed with the tenant, the landlord, and The Bond Board Ltd.

10) What rent should I charge?
We recommend that you base your rent level on the Local Housing Allowance (Housing Benefit) eligible amount for the number of bedrooms in your property. Most of our applicants are in receipt of welfare benefits or are in low paid work and do not have additional finances to be able to ‘top up’ contractual rent differences.

11) Can you guarantee me the rent?
No, the bond only covers rent arrears and does not cover any rent shortfall.

12) Do you need any legal documents from me to use the scheme?
In all three areas, if you let your property to one of our applicants, you will be asked to sign a bond agreement before letting your property. The tenant and a representative from The Bond Board Ltd will also sign the document.

You will be expected to provide a legally binding tenancy agreement at the start of the tenancy and to explain the tenancy agreement to the tenant.

You will be expected to provide a copy of the current gas safety certificate.

13) If I need to, how do I claim against the bond?
To make a claim, the you would be expected to complete The Bond Board Ltd claim form and return it within three weeks of receipt of the form. We will ask you to supply evidence of rent arrears or theft, or allow us to visit and view any damage.