Further guidance and information
If you are looking to move to the area or maybe you are looking to rent your first property, then this is the time to do your research.
Budgeting
Simple actions such as undertaking a budget and making cut backs, where possible might be the difference between affording your current home or not.
There is an easy to use benefits calculator, budgeting tools and free financial advice via the governments dedicated website: www.moneyadviceservice.org.uk
There are also many different ways of securing accommodation but affordability – how much you can afford to pay – is a common barrier due to a competitive private and social rental sector in the Maidstone Borough. So look in your areas of preference but also be prepared to look further afield if needed.
If you are on a low income, you can apply for housing benefit and/or discretionary housing payments to help pay your rent.
We also operate a rent deposit bond scheme for households struggling to pay a deposit or secure a guarantor for households with a relevant local connection.
Social Renting
Maidstone Borough Council doesn’t have any council homes but we do work with registered social landlords to provide other forms of accommodation. To apply click or tap on the button below to check if you can join the Housing Register.
You will need to provide evidence that you meet our eligibility criteria and you will be given a strict deadline to provide these proofs.
This is a high demand service so you may have to wait through several months of bidding to be successful.
Citizens Advice Bureau
Maidstone Citizens Advice provides free housing, debt and benefit advice. They provide a face to face advice service as part of the Maidstone Link on King Street, Maidstone but appointments must be made, at least 2 days in advance via the below number.
2 Bower Terrace
Tonbridge Road
Maidstone
Kent
ME16 8RY
Telephone number: 01622 767661
Website: www.maidstonecab.org.uk
Porchlight
Porchlight are a charity that work across Kent, helping vulnerable and isolated people get support across a variety of issues such as health, housing, education and employment.
Telephone number: 0800 567 76 99 – 24 hour helpline
Website: www.porchlight.org.uk/get-help
Private Renting
Private rented accommodation is likely to be available on a much more frequent basis than social housing and could potentially resolve your current housing situation. If you were to look for housing at a rent that is no higher than the local housing allowance rate you may be able to claim benefits towards the rent. There is an online calculator available at www.gov.uk/benefits-adviser which you can use to check what benefits you would be entitled to.
The BBC also provide a handy website which will help you identify where you may be able to find affordable accommodation: www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-23234033