SaRBS

 What is SaRBS?

SaRBS is a Support and Rent Bond Scheme which can support you to access private rented accommodation by:

 

  • Assessing your needs so that we fully understand what support you need
  • Exploring options for finding accommodation
  • Providing the landlord with a deposit or a damage guarantee
  • Providing the landlord with rent in advance or a rent guarantee while your application for Housing Benefit is assessed

Who is the service for?

 

People in need of low level housing related support aged 16 or over and who are    willing to engage with the resettlement worker and attend support sessions at  mutually agreed times.  We cover Eastleigh, New Forest, Fareham, Gosport and Havant.

 

What types of support do we provide?

 

We can provide the following:

 

  • Carrying out a pre-tenancy inventory with you and the landlord
  • Assisting you to set up easy payments for your bills and any debts
  • Helping you understand and fulfil the terms of the tenancy
  • Helping you purchase furniture and equipment for your accommodation
  • Supporting you to claim welfare benefits you might be entitled to including community  grants & loans
  • Liaising with your landlord over repairs and / or improvements
  • Keeping your home warm, safe and comfortable
  • Accessing other services such as doctors, dentists, advocacy
  • Accessing employment, further education and / or training
  • Contacting other agencies to provide more specialist support if you need it
  • Helping you resolve any disagreements between you and the landlord regarding the tenancy

We would provide this support for the initial period of your tenancy at an average of three hours per week.  You can request a support review at any time.

 

How can I apply?

 

Applications can be made by:

 

  • You, directly to us
  • Professional referral (eg your Probation Officer)
  • Your friend and family (with your agreement)
  • Inter-agency referral (with your agreement)

What happens once a referral has been made?

 

We will get in touch with you to arrange  an appointment to complete an initial assessment.

 

If you meet the criteria for being accepted into the service, we will use the information gathered in the assessment to help shape your support plans and risk assessments.  If you disagree with our decision, you have the right to appeal.

 

We will provide you with contacts for landlords and letting agents so that you can begin searching for accommodation.

 

Once you have identified accommodation, we will begin carrying out our checks and negotiations with the Landlord.