Finding a Property
Once you have been interviewed and accepted onto our scheme the next step is identifying a suitable property:
When looking for properties you need to know:
- Where you want to live.
- How many bedrooms you need.
- How much Local Housing Allowance you are entitled to.
- The Bond (amount) we will issue for you.
You can find contact information in the local newspapers, on the internet, and on To Let boards on properties and shop windows.
Contact a Landlord and ask some basic questions:
- Where is the property?
- How many bedrooms has it got?
- What type of property is it?
- How much is the rent?
- Do they want a months rent in advance?
- Do you need to pay administration fees?
- Do they accept The Bond?
What are the important things to consider when viewing a property?
- Is the property damp? (Shows up as stains and mould on the walls and ceilings).
- Does it have central heating?
- Is the electricity safe and working?
- Is the water working?
- Is the gas safe and working? The property should have a Gas Safety Certificate from a gas engineer on the gas safe register.
- Are the kitchen and bathroom large enough for your needs and well ventilated?
- Is there enough natural lighting and artificial light?
- If the property is furnished, check what furniture comes with it.
- Is the property secure?
- Is the property safe? Can you easily escape in the event of a fire and are smoke alarms fitted?
Viewed a property and the landlord is willing to accept the bond?
- Make sure the amount of Local Housing Allowance you are entitled to covers the rent.
- Get in contact with the Bond Board before signing the tenancy agreement.
- We will then contact the Landlord to see if the property is appropriate for you.
- You need to find out which repairs you are responsible for and which repairs your landlord should handle. The repairs landlords are usually responsible for are: the structure and outside of the property; basins, baths, sinks and toilets; fires, radiators and water heaters; water, gas and electricity supply and meters; water tanks and boilers.
- You also need to find out how to report a repair.
- We can then arrange to issue the bond paperwork.
- Your Housing Benefit Application will also need to be completed.
Support Services
Moving into a property can be overwhelming. We maybe able to offer support with: sorting out your benefits, applying for grants, helping you set up your utilities, and other issues you may have. Click here to find out more.