The Cyrenians is a local voluntary organisation that provides a range of services for homeless people in Aberdeen. The Rent Guarantee Scheme is for homeless people and childless couples who cannot afford a deposit or rent in advance.

To enable homeless people and childless couples, who cannot afford a deposit or rent in advance, to gain access to self contained private rented accommodation.

The scheme aims to give access to self-contained privately rented accommodation and attempts to overcome the reluctance of some landlords to accept benefit claimants. The scheme provides landlords with a written guarantee instead of a cash deposit and covers rent arrears and uninsured damage and loss. This means that homeless people do not need to have money to get a flat.

The Rent Guarantee Scheme is available to homeless people and childless couples who are aged 18 and over and on Income Support, or income below £90 per week.

The Rent Guarantee Scheme offers:

• a development worker available to landlord and tenant to deal with any difficulties that arise
• housing benefit paid directly to the landlord
• liaison with housing benefit agency to ensure a claim is processed quickly
• no obligation for a landlord to take on a client
• rent paid until housing benefit is sorted out
• screening of prospective tenants
• 6 month contract which can be renewed by the landlord

Aberdeen City Council Housing, a range of private trusts and other fundraising supports the scheme. The scheme was extended into Aberdeenshire in 2000 through the support of the Rough Sleepers Initiative.