The Private Rented Service helps people create and sustain tenancies in the private rented sector. Our service can help if you are struggling with financial hardship:
Discretionary Housing Payments
Live in a private rented property and struggling to pay rent? Get in touch with us and we can support you to apply for a Discretionary Housing Payment (DHP). This is short term support which tops up your rent payments to the full rent amount to prevent you from falling into arrears. During this time, we will signpost you to budgeting support and/ or support you to look for more affordable options.
Benefits entitlement
Unsure if you may be entitled to benefits or not sure if you are receiving everything you can claim? Speak to us and we can help you look into this. We have Support and Progression workers who check your eligibility for different benefits, help you apply, and help you understand the benefits system.
Rent Deposit Scheme
Interested in renting a private property but worried about affording the deposit? Put in an application for our Rent Deposit Scheme (RDS) and if you’re eligible, we can provide you with a digital deposit. If the landlord needs to claim at the end of your tenancy, they can claim directly from us. Want to know more? Head to our information page - Rent Deposit Scheme - Private Rented Services Newcastle.
Rent arrears
Struggling with rent arrears? Get in touch and as well as looking into a Discretionary Housing Payment, we can also support you to negotiate rent repayments with your landlord. This ensures that you reduce the chances of the landlord serving a notice on rent arrears grounds.
Support and Progression referrals
Need help with other aspects of living in a private rented property? Reach out to us and we can put a referral in for one of our Support and Progression workers to contact you. Difficulty paying your bills? Need support to furnish your new home? Get in touch and we can provide advice and support.
For support with any of the above, email us at privaterentedservice@newcastle.gov.uk or call us on 0191 277 1438 (Mon-Fri 9am to noon).