Housing Options

Homes to rent are available throughout the area from private landlords, letting agents, housing associations, as well as the Council. There are also a range of packages that can help keep you in your own home if you are an owner.

Before you apply for housing from the Council you should consider all your Housing Options in West Dunbartonshire? 

• Consider mediation for your households to resolve issues that are causing a risk of homelessness
• Stay in current accommodation
• Consider owner occupation/ shared equity options
• Apply for a mortgage to rent
• Apply to a Housing Association
• Apply for adaptations/ Telecare Solutions
• Explore private renting options on internet sites such as Right move
• Look at adverts in the local papers
• Look out for adverts in local shops and supermarkets
• Contact local estate agents or letting agents
• Look in the weekly ESPC paper or go to their website
• Apply for Council Housing (below)
• Housing Applications
• Consider Supported accommodation
• Make a homelessness application
• A Scottish Housing Guide for People leaving the Armed Forces & ex-Service Personnel

Help to Rent West Dunbartonshire

Help to Rent West Dunbartonshire is the council’s updated private rented sector access scheme, sometimes referred to as a “rent deposit guarantee scheme”.  The purpose of the scheme is to assist in making the private rented sector a viable option for households across West Dunbartonshire.

The main role of Help to Rent West Dunbartonshire is to help a prospective private tenant with a deposit they may require.  This could be in the form of a guarantee or a physical deposit, depending on the circumstances of both the tenant and landlord. West Dunbartonshire Council Help to Rent is a flexible scheme taking into account an individual’s circumstances.

The service:

• works with landlords and letting agents to provide access to quality, privately rented accommodation across West Dunbartonshire.
• Provides either a written guarantee or cash deposit to landlords
• The council guarantee the landlord a deposit should any damage, etc. occur to the property, while at the same time the tenant may pay the deposit up on a monthly basis.
• Acceptance to the scheme for guarantees and cash deposits are subject to satisfactory tenancy references being obtained.

If you are in housing need and would like further information please contact the Housing Solutions team on 01389 776400 who will put you in touch with a duty caseworker. Alternatively you can email the team at HousingOptionsHomelessness@west-dunbarton.gov.uk. You can contact the team on the number above from 09:00am - 16:30pm Monday to Friday.

If you are a landlord and you have a property that you would like to let through the Help to Rent scheme you will find more information on the Help to Rent pages or you can contact your local Officer on 07747 532 987.