Caf rent deposit help and housing guarantee schemes: the complete guide

A rental application without a payment guarantee is not solid. If your landlord asks for a security deposit, know that they are talking about a housing bond, and especially know that several housing bond aids are available. Landlords require a security deposit from their tenant. In common language, and even professional, it is also called a rental bond, tenant bond, deposit check or improperly bond. The security deposit can be a hindrance for several tenant profiles. It is for this reason that several housing bond aids exist. We are going to explain everything about this widespread practice, which has become almost a 'law' by force of usage.

What is the housing bond?

The housing bond, or more exactly security deposit, is a sum deposited by the tenant into the hands of the owner at the beginning of the lease. It is often a check, hence its other name "guarantee check". The rental bond is not used to pay the first month's rent. Similarly, the housing bond (in the sense of security deposit) is to be differentiated from the person acting as a surety or guarantor. This misuse of language is sometimes confusing. The deposit check can come from a security deposit aid or be signed by a loved one. The bond (sum of money) is given to the owner to compensate for possible damage to the rented property or to cover months of unpaid rent. Certainly, it can be cashed by the owner, but they have the obligation to return it at the end of the lease after any deductions (unpaid rent, repairs). In the event of a lease renewal, no new housing bond is requested. Finally, be aware that the rental bond is not a legal obligation. It becomes legally due only if mentioned in the rental contract. In practice, it has become a 'right' of the owner.

What are the different housing bond aids?

The security deposit (or bond) can represent a large sum for some tenants given the state of their financial resources. It is generally worth one month's rent for an unfurnished home and two months for a furnished rental. If the payment of the first month's rent and moving costs are added to this sum, the bill becomes heavy. Several housing bond aids can be requested. They allow the tenant to build a solid application without mobilizing their own funds at the beginning of the occupancy of the premises.

LOCA-PASS: aid for the security deposit

The LOCA-PASS advance is an aid in the form of a zero-interest loan intended to finance the housing bond. The LOCA-PASS loan is free: no application fees or interest. It is granted by Action-Logement. Tenants eligible for the LOCA-PASS guarantee are non-agricultural private sector employees, scholarship students and working students (fixed-term contract of 3+ months), apprentices and job seekers under the age of 30. The property subject to the lease must be a primary residence. The LOCA-PASS advance is requested online, it is repayable over 25 months. This aid for the housing bond cannot be combined with the aid for the same purpose granted by the FSL (FSL housing bond aid).

The caf rent deposit help

The caf rent deposit help allows the Family Allowance Fund to act as a surety for the owner for a period of three years if eligible. It is requested for ANAH or APL social housing.

Visale action logement

The Visale guarantee is another aid for the housing bond managed by Action Logement. It is not a zero-interest loan as is the case for the LOCA-PASS advance; its mechanism is different. Visale guarantees the payment of unpaid bills and compensation for any damage. The Visale bond is capped, requested online and subject to eligibility criteria.

Housing bond aid for students

We have already seen that students are eligible for the LOCA-PASS and Visale housing bond aids. This latter scheme replaced the CLÉ (Student Rental Surety) managed by the State. Obtaining the Visale visa requires several steps. The student looking for a surety must create a personal account on the Visale website, fill out the form, download the visa (two-day delay for validation) and give the visa to the landlord.

Housing bond aid for the unemployed

LOCA-PASS was requested by the unemployed/job seekers as aid for the deposit of the rental guarantee (advance of 500 euros). Since 2019, Action Logement has recommended they instead request the Visale guarantee. It should be noted that LOCA-PASS guarantees provide young people under 30 who are looking for a solid surety to include in their rental file. As for housing bond aid for those over 30, it is delivered by Visale in the form of a housing visa.

Housing bond aid for civil servants

Civil servants and state agents can benefit from the aid for the installation of personnel (AIP). The AIP aid is intended for "newcomer" civil servants or those assigned to a ZUS (Sensitive Urban Zone). The AIP is a non-repayable financial aid that covers several installation costs and the security deposit. Like any aid for the housing bond, the deposit guarantee for civil servants is capped and subject to conditions. Tenants having difficulty presenting convincing files to landlords can request aid from several organizations (FSL, CAF, Action Logement, etc.). Aids for the housing bond can be a zero-interest loan (LOCA-PASS scheme), a joint surety (Visale visa, AIP guarantee) or a social grant (CCAS aid for the elderly or disabled). Being in a precarious situation does not prevent tenants from presenting a guarantee. Several non-combinable solutions exist. You must request the right aid for the housing bond and choose the best landlord who facilitates your real estate experience.

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