Apply for the Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme

The people that can apply for the Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme are anyone who is:

• aged 18 or over
• homeless or threatened with being homeless within two months and your personalised housing plan says to seek a private rented sector home
• receiving benefits, on a low income, or who has no savings or other source of financial assistance
• having a local connection with Oxford as defined by the Allocations Policy - this may be waived in exceptional circumstances
• able to prove to the Lord Mayor's Deposit Guarantee Scheme Officer that they can sustain a tenancy in the private rented sector

If you are not eligible for the scheme and want to challenge the decision, you may appeal to the Private Rented Team Manager in writing.

Application process

These are the steps when making an application for the scheme:

• read through the scheme details
• contact us to confirm your eligibility and book an appointment for an interview
• complete our online application form
• attend an initial interview and bring your documentation.
• find suitable accommodation (if accepted to the scheme)
• complete the Local Housing Allowance / Universal Credit application and sign the Tenancy Agreement and any rent in advance repayment forms
• when you receive full agreement of the scheme you can move in - if you move into the property before receiving this you'll not be given financial help

More information

Download the Housing Register Allocations scheme