Launch Recite Me assistive technology myaccountMyAccount login image

Our online Council Tax services

(myaccount and some online forms) will be unavailable from 5pm Sunday 31 March to Tuesday 2 April due to essential maintenance.

South Lanarkshire rent deposit guarantee scheme

If you are homeless, or at risk of homelessness, our rent deposit scheme helps you rent from a private landlord. Landlords often ask for a cash deposit before they agree to let but the rent deposit scheme gives a written guarantee of a responsibility instead.

The guarantee covers:

  • damage to the property, furnishings or anything listed on the inventory beyond normal wear and tear

It doesn't cover:

  • fair wear and tear
  • rent in advance
  • unpaid gas/electricity bills
  • service or utilities charges such as heating or stair lighting
  • rent due if the tenant leaves the property without giving notice

To qualify you must be:

  • have approached South Lanarkshire Council for housing options and advice and are considered to be a risk of homelessness or have made a formal application to South Lanarkshire Council and have been assessed as homeless
  • be able to afford the rent (taking into account any entitlement to local housing allowance)
  • unable to find the cash for a deposit
  • have a local connection to South Lanarkshire
  • commit to a saving s plan in order to save the deposit over an agreed period (usually 6-12 months)

Applying to the scheme

The scheme only accepts referrals made by a housing officer from South Lanarkshire Council. Make a housing options appointment with your local housing office to discuss being referred. 

The scheme could find a property for you but if you find your own property, the Scheme will contact the landlord to ask if they'll accept the guarantee. 

Local housing office

Opening hours: Monday to Thursday 8.45am to 4.45pm, Friday 8.45am to 4.15pm. First Wednesday of every month 11am to 4.45pm

Phone: 0303 123 1012