After the covid pandemic broke out in March 2020, many found it hard to keep up with paying their rent. To prevent a potential homelessness crisis and support tenants in need of financial aid, the Scottish Government has provided the local authorities with a Tenant Grant Fund.
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EdinburghLive put together a guide of everything you need to know about the grant, including who is eligible and how to apply.
Who can apply?
To meet the eligibility criteria, one has to be renting a property in Edinburgh and have Covid-19 related rent arrears arising between March 23, 2020, and August 9, 2021.
The landlord of an applicant has to be either Your landlord must be either a registered social landlord or a private landlord registered - or have a recent valid application - with the Scottish Landlord Register. Tenants renting from Local Authorities are also eligible for the grant.
Applicants have to be at risk of becoming homeless and have no other support means. In the majority of cases, that could be proven by eviction notices or active court cases.
How much can you get?
The grant amount is subjective and is calculated considering the applicant's individual circumstances. Conditions of the grant are discussed with both - the tenant and the landlord - and will be compiled in an offer letter before the deal is sealed.
The grant will cover the arrears either partially or in full, with the money going straight to the landlord. The grant then doesn't have to be paid back.
How to apply?
You can apply by sending an email to Edinburgh_TGF@edinburgh.gov.uk.
