Housing Advice

RENT DEPOSIT GUARANTEE SCHEME
The scheme has been set up to assist people who have approached Malvern Hills District Council’s agents Elgar Housing Association as a potentially homeless person, on a low income or in receipt of benefits to gain access to accommodation in the private rented sector. (Elgar Housing will advise if the scheme may be suitable and will assist in the completion of the necessary forms).

The Scheme does this by providing “approved” landlords with a Rent Deposit Guarantee equal to 4 weeks rent. In some circumstances the Council may agree to provide a rent in advance. This would be equal to 4 weeks rent direct to the landlord in order to secure the tenancy.

Rent Deposit Scheme Application form  (43.74 KB)

For further information contact Elgar Housing Association

THE GOOD START PACKAGE
If you have recently presented yourself as a homeless person and have been offered & accepted accommodation, & are in receipt of benefits and/or on a low income, the Council in partnership with Elgar Housing may be able to help you with “A Good Start Package”. The package consists of vouchers to spend at a local supermarket and assistance with your first utility bill.

Download the 'Good Start Package' Application Form here.  (100.05 KB)

Further advice and application forms can be found via Customer Services, Elgar Housing Association or the Citizens Advice Bureau.

LANDLORDS FORUMS
Malvern Hills District Council holds Landlords Forums Bi-Annually. Landlords from across the district are invited to attend these forums where housing issues can be raised & discussed, as well as finding out more about the support and services offered by the Council.

For further details contact Elgar Housing Association

ILLEGAL EVICTIONS
The Council can investigate claims of alleged illegal eviction or harassment. If you have any queries concerning illegal eviction or harassment whether you are a landlord or tenant please contact Customer Services

HOMELESS PREVENTION SCHEME
The “Homeless Prevention Scheme” is an initiative that may assist both landlord & tenants. In appropriate cases, the Council in partnership with Elgar Housing Association may be able to fund payment of rent arrears (where it is not the fault of the tenant), or a payment of rent in advance which may prevent someone from losing their home.

For details please contact the councils homelessness agents Elgar Housing Association.

HOMELESSNESS
All enquires concerning homelessness should be directed to our homelessness agents Elgar Housing Association. An appointment will need to be made with them.

A booklet called “Homeless? Or about to be Homeless  (203.18 KB)” is available from Customer Services.

ENERGY EFFICIENCY
Households on low income or in receipt of benefits can call into a Customer Service Centre and collect 2 Energy Efficient light bulbs and a Powerdown Plug. Advice on other schemes available can be given by contacting Warwickshire Energy Efficiency Advice Centre on 01789 842898, or you can visit the National Energy Efficiency Foundation website.

For information with regards grants for energy efficiency works, please contact Customer Services.