Tenancy Hardship Grant launched for private rented sector tenants
Poster information
Posted on: Tuesday 20 July 2021
The Welsh Government has announced a £10m Tenancy Hardship Grant for tenants in the private rented sector have fallen behind on their rent by more than eight weeks between 1 March 2020 and 30 June 2021, to help them stay in their homes and prevent them losing their tenancies.
The grant is designed to support tenants who are struggling to pay rent due to a drop in income as a result of the pandemic.
Rent arrears may have been as a result of a loss of income due to furlough, a reduction in work or because they were only able to claim Statutory Sick Pay when ill with Covid-19.
The grant, which is being administered by local authorities, is open to people who are not receiving housing-related benefits. It replaces the Tenancy Saver Loan, which was introduced in October 2020. Anyone who received a loan will have that loan converted to a grant.
The Tenancy Hardship Grant aims to help those in need and save people and families from the trauma of being evicted and made homeless.
If you live in private rented accommodation and have developed rent arrears during the period of March 20 and June 21 as a direct result of the pandemic you may be eligible for the grant and we would encourage you to contact us.
We would also urge anyone who is struggling to pay their rent – even if they’re just starting to have difficulties – to contact their landlord or agent and organisations like Citizen’s Advice or Shelter Cymru so they receive the right advice and support.
Dhanisha Patel, Cabinet Member for Wellbeing and Future Generations
Applications are made through the local authority. 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.
Applicants must have had financial hardship due to the Covid-19 pandemic that meant they have not been able to pay rent. The grant is not available to arrears incurred outside of the dates above or those who have deliberately not paid rent to their landlord or agent.
For more details on the grant and eligibility, visit the Welsh Government website.