The Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme (RDGS)

Since 2003 the Council has successfully run a Rent Deposit Guarantee Scheme helping hundreds of households secure accommodation in the private sector and help private landlords to find tenants.

Instead of a tenant paying a deposit to the landlord, the Council gives the landlord a Deposit Guarantee Bond, for an amount equivalent to one month's rent.
As no cash changes hands the Landlord does not need to be part of a Deposit Protection Scheme. Typically the council will put forward prospective tenants who have a housing need and a local connection.