Across the UK the housing crisis continues to grow with a lack of safe, affordable housing and increasing numbers of people at risk of losing their homes.
Launchpad has stepped up to provide more affordable accommodation in Reading by becoming part of the Rent Guarantee Scheme.
Last year, thanks to the generosity of our donors and funders, Launchpad was able to buy two properties in central Reading, and refurbish the 10 rooms and one studio flat to the high standard our tenants expect.
In response to the local and national crisis, the decision was made to offer these properties via Reading Borough Council’s Rent Guarantee Scheme to help more people in Reading find a home.
The Rent Guarantee Scheme is a way of helping people who can’t afford a deposit to access private rented accommodation, and provides assured shorthold tenancies. The scheme matches people who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, with landlords who have properties to let.
Since being approved to join the scheme, we met with all potential tenants and can happily share that both houses are now fully occupied with 11 people housed.
About the Rent Guarantee Scheme
In order to be eligible for the scheme, potential tenants must meet the following criteria:
- have a local connection to Reading
- be referred by the homelessness prevention team because they have been assessed as at risk of being homeless
- be receiving benefits or on a low income;
- have no other way of finding the deposit
- have a good tenancy history
- be actively engaging with any support services
Once accepted on the scheme, tenants then attend a two hour workshop which covers:
- how the RGS works and its benefits to landlords
- how to find private rented accommodation and the do’s and don’ts when attending viewings
- information on benefits and income, including money management and debt advice
After the session, the council will then contact people when they have suitable properties and invite them for viewings.
If you know someone who could be helped by the scheme, you can find out more here:
Sign up to the Rent Guarantee Scheme – Reading Borough Council