Find Your Own
Receive a homestart grant of £500 – £1000*
What is the Find Your Own scheme?
Find your own is a scheme whereby tenants find their own private rented accommodation; this type of housing is owned by a private landlord and rented out to tenants. You may be entitled to help towards your rent through benefit support.
How does the Find Your Own Scheme work?
- You find a suitable property based affordability
- You arrange a viewing with the agent or the landlord
- You forward the details to your Housing Advisor
- We complete a financial assessment
- We complete all documentation for the tenancy
- All parties sign to agree to the tenancy
- We arrange for the Landlord to be paid
- You get the keys
How we support you:
- Financial assistance
- Tenant liaison officer
- Advice and support
- Processing of all documents
- Homestart grant (eligible tenants only)
Benefits of the scheme:
- Flexibility – fixed term tenancies, short and long-term lets
- Choice – you choose the type of property and area
- Speed – you can usually move in immediately
Finding private rented accommodation
You can use websites, lettings agents or search in local newspapers and shop windows for a privately rented property.
How does the Find Your Own Scheme work?
- You find a suitable property based affordability
- You arrange a viewing with the agent or the landlord
- You forward the details to your Housing Advisor
- We complete a financial assessment
- We complete all documentation for the tenancy
- All parties sign to agree to the tenancy
- We arrange for the Landlord to be paid
- You get the keys
How we support you:
- Financial assistance
- Tenant liaison officer
- Advice and support
- Processing of all documents
- Homestart grant (eligible tenants only)
Benefits of the scheme:
- Flexibility – fixed term tenancies, short and long-term lets
- Choice – you choose the type of property and area
- Speed – you can usually move in immediately
Finding private rented accommodation
You can use websites, lettings agents or search in local newspapers and shop windows for a privately rented property.
Find Your Own Guide
Click the link below to read our full guide on Finding Your Own Property in the Private Rented Sector
Rent Deposit Scheme
When moving into a privately rented property you will usually be required to pay at least one month rent in advance and a deposit up to the value of six weeks.
If you meet the criteria for the Rent Deposit Scheme, we pay the deposit and rent in advance directly to the landlord. You are given an interest free loan whereby we will make arrangements for you to pay this back at a rate of £20 per month. There is no set timescale on this loan repayment but there is an option to pay more than the set £20 per month if you choose.
Budgeting loans
If you don’t qualify for the Rent Deposit Scheme, you may be able to apply for a budgeting loan or budgeting advance if you can’t afford to pay rent in advance.
You can make an application for a budgeting loan at your local Jobcentre Plus or you can apply online or download a claim form at www.gov.uk.
Budgeting loans
If you don’t qualify for the Rent Deposit Scheme, you may be able to apply for a budgeting loan or budgeting advance if you can’t afford to pay rent in advance.
You can make an application for a budgeting loan at your local Jobcentre Plus or you can apply online or download a claim form at www.gov.uk.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I receive/qualify for the Homestart Grant?
You are eligible for the Homestart Grant if you have a Private Landlord (not a Social Landlord) and have successfully completed our Tenancy Training course. To receive your grant (£500 for singles and £1000 for families), please email us lettings@encompass-latc.co.uk with the fully signed tenancy agreement.
How long does it take for the Landlord / agent to receive the initial payment into their account from The London Borough of Sutton?
BACS payment takes 7 to 10 days.
Why do I have to make a signature via Docusign? What am I signing?
You are agreeing to the tenancy agreement as well as authorising Encompass to make payment to the agent / landlord. You are also agreeing for an interest free repayment plan via a monthly direct debit with a minimum amount of £20 a month.
Will the property be up to standard?
Landlords have a duty to ensure properties are safe, free from health hazards and have sufficient gas, water and electricity. Landlords are liable to carry out certain repairs.
Can I get evicted at short notice?
Landlords follow proper eviction procedures, meaning a tenant won’t ever be evicted without at least two months’ notice.
Need help?
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