Home Finders Payment Scheme - Westminster City Council

What happens if the deposit is less than the money
paid by the Council?
Any amount left over after paying your deposit can be
put towards the cost of removal fees, household items
or bills.
Home Finders
Payment Scheme
Helping you find a home
what happens if the deposit is more than the money
paid by the Council?
You will need to make up any shortfall. However,
if the shortfall is too large, we will not give you money
for a deposit.
We are unable to pay more than the amounts specified
in this leaflet. You need to ensure that you can afford
the deposit before signing a tenancy agreement.
Can I end my tenancy after 12 months and be
considered for another Home Finders Payment?
No. This is a one off payment to help you secure a
home in the private sector. We would expect that your
tenancy will be renewed for a further period and in
the event that your tenancy is lawfully brought to an
end, your existing deposit can be used to secure
another property.
Please be advised that if you are found to have
made yourself intentionally homeless, the Council
has no legal duty to re-house you.
What happens if my tenancy doesn’t last 12 months?
You will have to refund the money paid to you by
the Council towards your deposit unless there are
exceptional circumstances.
If you are experiencing difficulties with your landlord
please contact our Housing Options Service or your
Local Law Centre for advice on how to resolve these
issues as they occur.
Useful Contacts
For more advice and information please contact your
Housing Options Adviser on 020 7641 1000

What is the Home Finders Payment Scheme?
We will give you money to help you to find a home with
a private landlord.
Offering you more choice of area in which to live.
Offering you a wider choice of property that is suitable
for you and your family.
Most landlords want a deposit (returnable at the end of
the tenancy) when granting someone a tenancy
agreement. This is usually as much as one month’s rent.
Unit Size
Studio flat/1 bedroom flat £1,000
2 bedroom flat/house £1,400
3 bedroom flat/ house (or larger) £2,000
Amount Payable
To help you, the following sums can be given to you. We will
assess the size of the accommodation you and your family
need and pay the appropriate amount.
How does it work?
Step 1 - Your Housing Options Adviser will decide whether
you are eligible for the scheme based on certain criteria
and whether you are at risk of becoming homeless.
They will also explain how the scheme works and how
many rooms you need.
Step 2 - You agree that you will use the money given
as a deposit for a home in the private rented sector, and
provide us with your bank details.
Step 3 - To help you secure a property, we will give you
a letter confirming we will make payment to you towards
your deposit, providing the written tenancy agreement is
for at least 12 months.
Step 4 - You find a property that is suitable.
Step 5 - You provide a copy of your tenancy agreement
which must be for at least 12 months.
We need to know the address of the property, size,
the tenancy start date and the rent to be charged.
Step 6 - We will pay the agreed sum either into your
bank account or by cheque.
Frequently asked questions
If I am turned down for this scheme can I appeal?
No. This scheme is discretionary. In other words, it is a
scheme that we choose to offer and there is no obligation
upon us to pay these sums. We will be fair and consistent in
administering the scheme but the judgement of the Housing
Options Service is final.
Payments will only be made where it is judged that the person
or family is at risk of being homeless within the foreseeable
future.
Do I have to find a new home in Westminster?
No, you are free to choose a home anywhere
This scheme is only about the deposit. You must be satisfied
that you can afford the rent and ensure that, if necessary you
claim Housing Benefit as soon as you’re able. Your Housing
Options Adviser can advise you and find out what the housing
benefit payments are likely to be.
What size property should I look for?
Your Housing Options Adviser will advise you of the property
size you require, based on the size of your household.
Would I still qualify for a Home Finders payment
if I sign a tenancy for less than 12 months?
No.
Can the Council pay my removal fees?
No.
What is the maximum Housing Benefit that can
be paid for a property?
If you are entitled to Housing Benefit, the rent charged
by your landlord must be within the maximum level of
Housing Benefit in the area that you can claim.
Your Housing Options Adviser will be able to tell you how
to do this if the property is in Westminster and give you
guidance if your proposed accommodation is elsewhere.
Will the Home Finders Payment affect my Housing
Benefit entitlement?
No. Any Home Finders Payment you receive will be
ignored when calculating your Housing Benefit.