Information for tenants
The Cherwell Bond Scheme: overview for tenants
The Cherwell Bond Scheme (CBS) helps local people in need of housing to access good quality and affordable privately rented accommodation.
How CBS works
Local landlords make their properties available for us to let at affordable rates through the scheme. We inspect every property before letting to make sure they are suitable and safe.
When a property is let, we provide a bond (similar to a deposit) to the value of 10 weeks’ rent. This bond lasts for the duration of the tenancy, so if there are rent arrears or damage to the property at the end of the tenancy, the landlord can claim the money back from the bond.
So for tenants this means you don't have to find the money up front to pay for a cash deposit, but you would have to repay us if any deductions are made to the bond at the end of the tenancy.
Eligibility
The scheme is for people who are at risk of homelessness and do not have enough savings to pay for a deposit themselves. We have a separate bond scheme for key workers called the Key Worker Bond Scheme.
How to apply
If you have not done so already, you should apply to join the housing register and supply all the required supporting information. This includes supplying information about your income and savings.
If you are at risk of homelessness, we will arrange an appointment for you to meet with a housing officer who will refer you, if appropriate, to the scheme.
Finding a property
There is usually a waiting list for properties to become available through the Cherwell Bond Scheme and it’s difficult to predict when new properties may become available.
You should therefore continue to look for suitable accommodation yourself as you may find a landlord that is willing to let their property to you through the scheme. Your housing officer will be able to provide you with advice about what size of property you should be looking for and what rent you should be able to afford. This will be based on the Local Housing Allowance.
You will normally have to pay a month’s rent in advance which you will have to fund yourself.
Consider all possible options when trying to find a suitable property, including looking online, through social media, in newspapers, adverts in shop windows and asking family and friends. If you find a landlord that may be willing to let the property through the Cherwell Bond Scheme, contact us as possible with details of the landlord and property. We will contact the landlord to confirm they are happy to let their property through the scheme and check the property details.
Further information
Contact our team at bondscheme@cherwell-dc.gov.uk.