Information on the GAP scheme

ASCEND Young Homeless Project administrate the Rent Deposit Scheme, G.A.P. (Guarantee of Accommodation Payment).

GAP opens up the private housing sector to young people. At the moment some suitable accommodation in the private sector is not being let because young people on benefits are not able to raise the deposit needed to gain entry into accommodation.

The Scheme
The scheme operates by issuing a certificate, which guarantees the amount of deposit required by the accommodation provider - up to ONE MONTH’S rent. The certificate is valid for 6 months from the beginning of the tenancy but can be renewed if the tenancy is longer than this. The certificate only covers damage or theft caused by the tenant -

In the event of damage or theft by the tenant to items in the property, we will pay the amount of any claim up to the value of the certificate. Apart from this no money will change hands. Support will be given to fill in the Housing Benefit application form, ensuring that all relevant supplementary documentation is submitted, following the progress of the claim and chasing it when required, applying for an interim payment if necessary and arranging a direct payment to the accommodation provider.

Applicants to the scheme are interviewed, assessed for suitability and then have references sent for. Only if they meet all our selection criteria may they continue with the scheme. We are as concerned as you to only place good tenants in accommodation through the scheme. We then let you make the final decision as to whether you will take the young person.

A detailed inventory will be drawn up by the scheme for each tenancy and needs to be signed by the tenant, the accommodation provider and the scheme.
Tenancies must be assured/assured shorthold, for a minimum of 6 months and the scheme needs to have and approve a blank copy of any tenancy agreements.
In addition to the tenancy agreement we will draw up a three way agreement, which needs to be signed by the scheme, the accommodation provider and tenant, detailing the principal rights and obligations of each party to ensure that everyone is aware of these.

Equal opportunities
The scheme will in all its practices, be operating in line with ASCENDs Equal Opportunities Policy. Every effort will be made to accommodate the needs of applicants who have a disability, where appropriate accommodation exists. Prospective tenants and accommodation would be informed of the Equal Opportunities Policy upon request and be expected to conform to it.

The need for an inventory
To avoid misunderstanding and disputes, a full inventory must be compiled before the accommodation is let. Before the certificate is issued, the accommodation provider, the ASCEND Young Homeless Project representative and the tenant must agree the content of the inventory by signing the document. The inventory plays an important part in the assessment of claims made against the scheme.

What is covered by the Scheme
The certificate will be for a maximum value of one months rent.
The certificate will cover any loss or losses that are not insured to the maximum value of the certificate, as a result of damage to the property and or theft from the property.

There will only be a payment if the theft or damage is reported to the Police and a crime number is noted to ASCEND Young Homeless Project. 

For more information please phone Christine on 020 8420 1364