Private tenants - advice and support
Rent deposit scheme
The rent deposit scheme helps families rent a home in private accommodation.
We offer:
- four weeks rent as deposit and four weeks rent in advance
- support and advice for tenants and landlords about the type of tenancy agreement, regulation safety checks, housing benefit, household inventory, furniture.
There are some conditions, the property must be suitable for letting and meet the following requirements:
- the size of the property must be adequate for your family
- it must be clean and free from damp
- it must be in good order and free from serious disrepair
- it must be structurally stable and not subject to continuing movement (caused by subsidence)
- as well as meeting the fitness standards, the property must have adequate fire precautions, and all furniture and furnishings must conform to the regulations (Fire and Safety Regulations 1988).
If the property you are interested in is outside the London Borough of Barnet, we will pay the deposit but not the rent advance at the beginning of the tenancy.
Our service is free of charge to landlords and agents and we aim to assist landlords and tenants to enter into tenancy agreements (Assured Shorthold) that will last for 12 months.
It is important to note that even though we may be able to help with the rent deposit, the landlord is responsible for managing the tenancy and maintaining the property.
Our ‘Tenancy Sustainment Service’ provides advice and mediation between the landlord and tenants and liaises with the Housing Benefit Section where necessary.
If you are interested in the Rent Deposit Scheme and would like more information, contact the council on 020 8359 4863
Landlord's guide to letting your property
Download the Landlord's guide to letting your property 
(PDF 518KB).
