Tenancy Hardship Grant available for private rented sector tenants
Poster information
Posted on: Tuesday 07 December 2021
Residents in Bridgend County Borough who rent privately and have fallen behind on their rent due to Covid-19 may be eligible for a Welsh Government grant.
The £10m Tenancy Hardship Grant for tenants in the private rented sector was announced by Welsh Government earlier this year and aims to help those in need.
To apply, applicants must be:
- a tenant in a private residential property
- have experienced financial hardship due to the Covid-19 pandemic that meant they were unable to fully pay their rent
- have at least eight weeks of unpaid rent built up between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021
- not have received housing benefits when they built up unpaid rent
Rent arrears may have been as a result of a loss of income due to furlough, a reduction in work or because tenants were only able to claim Statutory Sick Pay when ill with Covid-19.
The grant, administered by local authorities, replaces the Tenancy Saver Loan which was introduced in October 2020.
To apply to Bridgend County Borough Council, please email housing@bridgend.gov.uk. Please include ‘THG Support Grant’ as the subject line of your email.
The Tenancy Hardship Grant is specifically designed for private sector tenants who are struggling to pay rent due to a drop in income as a result of the pandemic. It may be that they were furloughed, experienced a drastic reduction in hours, or even lost their job during the pandemic.
The grant is paid directly to the tenant’s landlord or agent, to help to clear any unpaid rent, and reduce the likelihood of tenants losing their tenancies. This grant will not need to be paid back.
The council’s Cabinet Member for Wellbeing and Future Generations Dhanisha Patel
The council Deputy Leader Hywel Williams said: “We would urge anyone who is struggling to pay their rent – even if you’re just starting to have difficulties – to contact your landlord or agent and organisations like Citizen’s Advice or Shelter Cymru so you receive the right advice and support. You may be able to get financial help to cover unpaid rent or other household bills.
“If you are at threat of eviction and at risk of homelessness then contact the local authority as soon as possible.”
For more information on the Tenancy Hardship Grant visit the Welsh Government website.