1. As of 21st March 2024, does your local authority offer to act as a rent guarantor for care-experienced young people
(e.g. care leavers) to access when seeking to rent a privately rented property?
Yes
2. If ‘Yes’ to Question 1, what is the eligibility criteria for care-experienced young people (e.g. care leavers) to have your local
authority act as their rent guarantor?
Former Relevant young people need to be able to evidence that they can financially afford the rent (3 months wage slips/benefits letter and bank statements) and have confirmation from their PA that they are ready to manage the tenancy. This evidence has to be signed off by Service Manager and the Treasurer.
3. As of 21st March 2024, does your local authority offer a rent deposit for care-experienced young people (e.g. care
leavers) to access when seeking to rent a privately rented property?
Yes – if this cannot be sourced from the housing district
4. If ‘Yes’ to Question 3, what is the eligibility criteria for care-experienced young people (e.g. care leavers) to be offered a rent
deposit?
Former Relevant young people need to be able to evidence that they can financially afford the rent and have confirmation from their PA that they are ready to manage the tenancy.
5. If ‘Yes’ to Question 3, are there any limits/restrictions to the amount of rent deposit offered to care-experienced young people?
In line with single person accommodation allowance via benefits, or as close as possible (as rent levels vary depending on area).
6. If your local authority offers to act as a rent guarantor and/or provide rent deposits for care-experienced young people (e.g. care leavers) when seeking to rent a privately rented property, can this be accessed by care-experienced young people from your local authority living out-of-area?
Yes – both can be offered.
7. If you have any published information or data concerning your local authority’s guarantor or deposit scheme as set out above, please
can you send it through.
Our whole local offer is being renewed and will continue to offer the above. Further information can be found at Devon’s Local Offer to Care Leavers – Children In Care and Care Leavers – Children In Care and Care Leavers (standupspeakup.org.uk)