Private sector schemes for people in housing need
Our private rented sector schemes give people in housing need the opportunity to move into a home of their choice.
We can help
By removing barriers such as:
- Finding suitable and affordable accommodation.
- Raising money for a deposit.
- Landlords accepting benefit income as rent.
How we can help to remove these barriers
- Providing incentives to landlords in various ways.
- Providing advance rent or a deposit.
- Bridging the gap if the rent is a little higher than your local housing allowance.
- Providing tenancy support to both you and the landlord to make sure the tenancy runs smoothly.
*All interventions are considered on a case by case basis taking into account your circumstances, needs, and the resources you have available
In order to access the schemes, you must have an assessed housing need. This will normally mean you are on the housing register and/or have an allocated housing caseworker.
Who can apply?
- those who already live and/or work in Leicester, or have another strong connection to the city through close family or support needs.
- those who are homeless or threatened with homelessness.
- those who have an assessed housing need, such as living in overcrowded accommodation, and have a Band 1 or 2 award.
- those who can live independently.
- those on a low income which does not meet their housing needs.
What do I need to do?
You will be expected to find a property you are interested in renting, and approach the Council with the details. On occasion we can also help you search for accommodation.
- Please check the local housing allowance (LHA) rate that you are eligible for. You can find this out by visiting GOV.UK.
- Find a property in Leicester where the rent is affordable. We may be able to contribute towards the shortfall in rent. Your caseworker will be able to advise you on this further.
- Contact the Housing Options service, or your caseworker once you have viewed the property and the landlord/agent is happy to accept.
Before a property can be let under the schemes, we will carry out a series of checks to ensure that it is affordable, safe and fit for living in.
We would always make sure that the tenancy will be completely affordable to you before it can be let under the schemes. Applicants will only be considered for the scheme if you can pay their rent regularly and in full.
Please note, we are unable to assist under our schemes if you pay a deposit yourself, sign a tenancy agreement, or move in before you speak to us.
Where to find private rented accommodation
- Letting agents in the city.
- Local newspapers such as the Leicester Mercury and community centres, libraries, or shops.
- Look online – popular websites include Zoopla, Rightmove and Spareroom.
To find out more, please contact your allocated caseworker, or contact us below.