The loss of a private rented tenancy is one of the leading causes of homelessness as tenants struggle to keep up with rising rents.
That’s why youth homelessness charity Rock Trust has launched its Rent Deposit Scheme in Glasgow and Edinburgh.
The initiative, set up with End Youth Homelessness and funding from Yorkshire Building Society and Dean Parish Fund in 2017, sees landlords handed a guarantee certificate from Rock Trust in place of a traditional cash deposit. This secure bond protects the landlord from damage or rent arrears while giving the young person, aged 16-25, a safe way into the rental market. This is a crucial lifeline for youngsters who may come to the Rock Trust with struggles ranging from mental health issues to learning difficulties, or having suffered family breakdowns or negative experiences from coming out as LGBTQ ,that left them homeless.
Looking back at what we achieved last year – 407 young people helped in 2017-18. With recent statistics released showing rise in homelessness we know more still needs to be done. We intend to do it – 2019 we're coming for you #endingyouthhomelessness pic.twitter.com/ZmV72Ay9Wu
— Rock Trust (@RockTrust_tweet) November 23, 2018
In Edinburgh, you can add a shortage of private rental addresses to that list. That has led to a new application process being introduced that has seen an increase in people on benefits and lower incomes being denied a home.
The Rock Trust scheme helps bridge this gap and gives youngsters the initial support and advice they need to get up and running. So far, the charity has engaged with 25 landlords and supported seven people into accommodation. And one of them told The Big Issue that the scheme has offered them a lifeline.