Landlords who accept a Private Rented Scheme council bond as guarantee don't have to use the National Tenancy Deposit Scheme.
The Private Rented Scheme exists to help new tenants find a property to rent by replacing a cash deposit with a written agreement known as a bond. The scheme is operated by the council's Housing Options team.
A prospective tenant must meet set criteria, including credit checks and references, in order to qualify for the scheme.
Housing Options will meet the landlord to explain how it works to confirm they are happy to accept a bond guarantee.
The bond must be signed by both parties before the start of the tenancy or it's not valid.
- Private Rented Scheme landlord requirements
- Private Rented Scheme agency requirements
- Private Rented Scheme process
Private Rented Scheme landlord requirements
As a landlord you should be aware that:
- the property must be within or near the city of York boundary
- the tenancy must be for a minimum of 6 months
- the property must be suitable and meet set standards
- a pre-tenancy inventory is required as part of the process
As the landlord you must:
- have a valid gas certificate for the property
- have an EPC certificate for the property
- use a National Deposit Scheme if taking a deposit from a tenant:
- if the property is an HMO, have a licence and be accredited with Housing Standards and Adaptations
- comply with Right to Rent
- obtain a tenant’s original acceptable documents that allow them to live in the UK
- check any documents with the tenant present, and record date the of the check
- copy the documents, and keep the copies on file
See more information about the Right to Rent scheme.
Private Rented Scheme agency requirements
As an agency you must advertise all fees and costs.
Private Rented Scheme process
When someone contacts Housing Options our first step is to see if the Private Rented Scheme can help them.
After completing checks and confirming they qualify, their next step is to find a property to rent.
Housing Options will then contact the landlord to explain the scheme in detail and make sure the landlord is happy to accept a bond.
Help with rent in advance
Subject to criteria, the council can pay 1 month’s rent in advance for a new tenant.
The bond will include an agreement for the landlord and tenant to sign, setting out repayment terms.
Bond term and extensions
The bond is valid for the length of the tenancy, on condition all the landlord’s obligations in the agreement are met and the landlord tells the council either when the tenant leaves or when the tenancy ends.
The bond can be extended in cases where a tenancy continues.
Making a claim on the bond
If you need to make a claim, you must submit the paperwork within 10 days of the tenancy ending or on the date the tenant moves out, whichever is earlier.
All claims against the bond must be fully submitted within 30 days of the tenancy end date.
Housing Options will do a joint inspection with the landlord to complete a final inventory and confirm any claim details.
We especially recommend a joint inspection if you expect to make a claim.
Landlords can claim for damage to the property or inventory items, but not for fair wear and tear.