Rental loans

If you would like to rent accommodation privately but are finding it difficult to afford, we may be able to help you through the Epping Forest Rental Loan Scheme.

This scheme has been set up to help local people secure accommodation within the private rented sector, enabling applicants to meet the costs of their first month’s rent in advance. Applicants are required to repay the loan on an interest free basis over 36 months.

Qualify for a rental loan

To qualify for the rental loan scheme, you must first be seen by one of our homelessness officers who will decide if you are in urgent housing need. You would potentially be owed an interim accommodation duty if we did not make a referral to the scheme.

The scheme is subject to limited funding which may restrict who can be assisted.

How much is a rental loan

If you are accepted onto the scheme you will be entitled to an interest-free rent loan advance:

• £670 as a single person
• £1,000 as a family

This money will be made available to your prospective landlord by way of a cheque or BACS payment.

Finding accommodation and securing the rental loan

When you are referred, you will be expected to sign a form agreeing to repay the amount of the loan over a 36-month period.

If your referral is accepted, you will need to find a property that is suitable for your needs. If you need help in finding accommodation then our homeless officers will try to help you.

Once you have found accommodation, our homelessness officers will undertake a full financial assessment of your household’s circumstances to ensure that the accommodation identified is affordable. To assist in this process, you will be asked to complete a form.

Where the accommodation identified is located within the Epping Forest district, we will also arrange for an environmental health officer to inspect the premises to ensure that it is suitable for you to live in.

Want to know more?

If you want to find out more about the rental loan scheme in the Epping Forest district you can contact our homelessness officers by:

• Telephone 01992 564165
• Email homelessness@eppingforestdc.gov.uk