Churches Together in Eastleigh & Bishopstoke

Navigation: CTE Home / Activities / ECRGS

Eastleigh Churches Rent Guarantee Scheme

What is it?

Eastleigh Churches Rent Guarantee Scheme (ECRGS) is a small scheme that is able to offer limited financial support to certain homeless people to help them gain access to accommodation in Eastleigh.

This can be by the use of a deposit bond or repayable deposit, or repayable rent advance (up to a limit of 4 weeks rent) paid to the landlord.

Who is it for?

Those who have good reasons for living in Eastleigh, for example:-
  - family associations,
  - return to area of childhood,
  - return from abroad with past local connections,
  - leaving armed forces and settling in local area
  - need for access to special schools or hospitals,
  - lived or worked in the area for 6 of the last 12 months,
  - lived or worked in the area for 3 of the last 5 years
and in addition
  - are receiving income support or are on a low income
and
  - have no large debt
and
  - are either single people or couples with no dependent children
and
  - are referred by the C.A.B. or Eastleigh Borough Council’s Housing Advice Section.

Tenant’s Responsibilities

  - To meet the application criteria
  - To repay the loan at an agreed level and rate
  - To have no outstanding loan with ECRGS
  - To pay the rent regularly
  - To keep the premises in good condition
  - To save towards the next deposit

Landlord’s Responsibilities

  - To be willing to accept a Guarantee Bond redeemable for cash against loss
  - To be willing to enter into a three-way agreement between the tenant, ECRGS and themselves
  - To be willing to offer at least a six month Assured Shorthold Tenancy
  - To be willing to complete an inventory with Project Worker

How can you help?

  - By your prayers
  - By making a donation
  - By becoming involved in homeless issues
  - By encouraging others to become informed and involved
  - By keeping the issue of homelessness before your MP and Councillors
  - By asking for a speaker for your church, group, meeting etc.

Organisations who are involved

Churches Together in Eastleigh
Eastleigh Borough Council
Eastleigh Community Services
Citizens Advice Bureau
Interested individuals

Contact

Eastleigh Churches Rent Guarantee Scheme
c/o EBC Area Office
Unit 2
Swan Centre
Eastleigh
SO50 5SG
Tel: 023-8065-1677