The key condition is that the applicant can realistically afford a long-term tenancy. This scheme will help with the initial tenancy deposit, but applicants will need to finance their ongoing rental and other costs themselves.
We highly recommend seeking advice from Citizens Advice Ukraine Support Service before applying for the rent deposit scheme. This is a free, confidential and impartial service and interpretation services are available.
This is a one-off payment, not a loan. Successful applicants will not need to repay it to us.
We can't confirm the exact amount successful applicants might be granted. Whilst this will usually cover the first month’s rent plus tenancy deposit, it will vary depending on the applicant’s personal circumstances.
These funds are only able to be paid to a landlord or letting agent. We can't reimburse individuals for amounts already paid.
Apply for the rent deposit scheme
Apply for the rent deposit scheme
The scheme is available for guests who want to move to a different local authority, as well as those staying in Hertfordshire.
You can apply to the rent deposit scheme as an individual, with your family or with another person or family who will share the rent of the accommodation with you.
To complete the application, each person will need to provide:
1. A copy of your MoneyHelper budget planner. You can get this at How much rent can you afford?
- Don't enter an amount for rent into the MoneyHelper calculator. Do enter an estimate of monthly household bills (for example, gas, electric, water, Council Tax).
- Help to calculate the cost of bills
- More information about Council Tax in Hertfordshire (if you're applying outside of Hertfordshire, include the Council Tax for the relevant area).
- Select 'Download Spreadsheet' and save the full excel version to upload. This ensures we have details of all incomings and outgoings, not just the summary/emailed results.
2. Your right to rent share code. You can get this at Prove your right to rent in England: get a share code (GOV.UK)
3. Evidence of pay (e.g. monthly salary slip)
4. A copy of your benefits journal, if you receive benefits.
5. Details of what you may be entitled to for housing benefits – www.entitledto.co.uk.
- Select 'Download Spreadsheet' and save the full excel version to upload. This ensures we have details of the benefits you might be entitled to, not just the summary/emailed results.
What happens next
Your application will be reviewed by one of our team to ensure we have all the information we need. We'll contact you if we need any further information.
Fully completed applications will be reviewed by a panel within 5 working days. The panel will either approve or deny your application based on whether you're able to live independently, financially.
If your application is not successful, we will give you feedback and advice on what to do next.
If your application is successful, we will provide you with a letter confirming the amount of deposit / rent we will fund. You can show this to letting agents.
We would recommend that you await the decision of the panel before finding a property as the panel will also indicate how much we can fund for the deposit/rent.
These funds are only able to be paid to a landlord or letting agent. We can't reimburse individuals for amounts already paid.
Any offer of funds that we make is valid for 3 months to allow time to find a property. If a property is not found in 3 months, you'll need to reapply.
When you find a property, you need to provide an invoice for the amount agreed to be paid to the letting agent. You'll also need to sign and return a Grant agreement.
Once you’ve found a property, your letting agent may ask for a “holding deposit” which is usually equal to one week’s rent. This is separate and different from the main tenancy deposit. You will need to be able to pay this holding deposit yourself.