We have two funds for people at risk of homelessness because of housing-related debt, who don't have any other means of support.
Homelessness Prevention Fund
This fund is to help pay rent arrears where there is a risk of homelessness because of housing related debt.
The maximum payment for each application is £2500.
Tenant Hardship Fund
This is for help paying rent arrears that have arisen because of the COVID-19 pandemic. These arrears should have arisen between 23 March 2020 and 9 August 2021.
The fund does not cover arrears before 23 March 2020.
We will only consider arrears after 9 August 2021 in exceptional circumstances. In these cases, we need to be sure the arrears relate to the impact of the pandemic restrictions.
How it works
We only allow one application per household per year across both funds.
We'll consider applications on a case-by-case basis. The focus is on those at greatest risk of homelessness. Tenants must show that they have not intentionally withheld rent payments.
If you are in receipt of Housing Benefit or Universal Credit and are in arrears due to a shortfall in your housing costs, you must have first applied for a Discretionary Housing Payment.
We will consider payments towards other housing related debt.
You must:
- be in arrears of at least 3 consecutive months and total arrears must be more than 3 months’ rent
- be making some contribution towards your rent or arrears
- show how a payment from the fund would help prevent homelessness
- show that you have no other means of support
Who can apply
Council or housing association tenants
Applications for council or housing association tenants must be completed by an officer of Angus Council or a housing association. For example a rent arrears officer, financial inclusion officer, housing officer or welfare rights officer.
If you are an Angus Council tenant and are unsure who your housing officer is please contact us. Housing association tenants should contact their own housing provider.
Private tenants
Private Tenants can apply directly for these funds. If you are a private tenant your application will also be sent to our Homelessness Prevention and Solutions Team. They will review your application and will contact you to offer housing options advice.
Landlords must:
- be registered with Angus Council (private tenants only)
- demonstrate they are complying with the pre-action requirements for rent arrears
- have carried out steps to resolve the issue before making an application
- be willing to enter into a repayment plan
- agree not to progress a repossession on the basis of related rent arrears where a grant is paid, and the tenant meets all future agreed rent and repayment obligations
Before you apply
Please include all the information we ask for.
We have limited funds. Any delay in us getting the information we need from you could mean funds have been allocated before we've had a chance to review your application.
Incomplete applications will not be accepted and will be returned.
Information you need to complete the form
We'll ask you to tell us what has changed your ability to pay your rent.
This could be something like:
- the COVID-19 pandemic
- the cost of living crisis
- something else
We'll ask you to provide evidence of this. This could be:
- correspondence from your employer
- correspondence from other agencies supporting you
- payslips
- bank statements
- something else
We may contact your landlord for further information.
We'll also ask for these details:
Tenant:
- name
- date of birth
- employment status
- support needs
Tenancy:
- total monthly rent
- total arrears
Landlord:
- name
- address
- bank account details
- action taken
- repayment options
Link to the application form
Council or housing association tenants
Applications for council or housing association tenants must be completed by an officer of Angus Council or a housing association. For example a rent arrears officer, financial inclusion officer, housing officer or welfare rights officer.
Apply on behalf of a council or housing association tenant
Private tenants
If you are a private tenant your application will also be sent to our Homelessness Prevention and Solutions Team. They will review your application and will contact you to offer housing options advice.
Apply for the Homelessness Prevention/Tenant Hardship Fund
What happens after you apply
The application will be considered by Angus Council officers. We'll then will notify you and your landlord of the outcome. Any payments for arrears will be paid directly to your landlord.