Rented Accommodation

SmartMove, our rent deposit guarantee scheme, operates in Falkirk and West Lothian and works with landlords and people in housing need to overcome the barriers that prevent letting and to create successful long term tenancies.

It offers a written guarantee in place of a cash deposit for a period of 6 months
and support in finding a flat, understanding the lease, claiming benefits and negotiation between landlord and tenant.

Who can use the scheme?

People who:

  • are homeless or without a secure place to live
  • are threatened with homelessness
  • are in temporary accommodation in a hostel, on a friend's floor or in a bed and breakfast
  • are in accommodation where they feel unsafe or harassed or are unable to source the deposit up front for a private rented flat

As well as providing the guarantee, Smartmove also helps people to:

  • find a flat
  • check the property is safe and meets all the legal requirements
  • set up a bank account
  • deal with housing benefit
  • establish good relationships between tenants and landlords

and provides landlords with:

  • a guaranteed source of suitable tenants
  • tenants who are referenced and ready to move
  • preparation of a Short Assured Tenancy Agreement
  • completion and fast-tracking of housing benefit claims by qualified in-house staff
  • preparation of an inventory of property and furnishings
  • free mediation service if required
  • access to a range of free support services for tenants

Those on a low income or with financial difficulties are particularly at risk of homelessness. They often don't have savings or the support of friends and family. Most can't get a council flat or would have trouble living in the areas on
offer. They want to rent from private landlords but are unable to because they
don't have money to pay a deposit or rent in advance. Each year, over 300 people avoid homelessness with support from Cyrenians Smartmove.

Do you need help with your deposit? or are you a landlord who wants to let a flat? Contact us on:

SmartMove West Lothian 01506 205413 or email SmartMoveWL(AT)cyrenians.org.uk

Falkirk 01324 633413 or email SmartMoveFK(AT)cyrenians.org.uk

 

Landlord Forum


SmartMove West Lothian held its landlords forum in April in the Regal Theatre in Bathgate.  The main topic of discussion was tenancy law in relation to private rented accommodation.  Andrew Cowan of TC Young solicitors provided a lively presentation and was able to answer many questions from the floor.  In addition to this Brian Pearson of West Lothian Advice shop gave a brief presentation and Becky Evans from Cyrenians gave a brief overview of the new requirements regarding recovery of possession and notification to the local authority as per Section 11 of the homelessness etc (Scotland) Act 2003.  These three presentations are available to download here as are sample tenancy documents.

Advice Shop Presentation (power point)
Introduction to Tenancy Law Presentation (power point)
Section 11 Presentation (power point)

AT5 Form
AT5 Form (Notes for Landlords)
Recovery of Possession 
Repairing Standard Letter
Retention of keys agreement
Sample Inventory
Short Assured Tenancy Agreement 
Short Assured Tenancy Agreement (Guidance Notes)
Tenant Contact Details



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