Practitioner article: deposit guarantee schemes in Scotland – a sustainable housing option 2008

Deposit guarantee schemes (DGSs) have been helping homeless people in Scotland access private rented accommodation since 1992. Many people who are homeless simply need a decent, permanent home with limited support, but lack the funds required to pay landlords a deposit and rent in advance. DGSs offer landlords guarantees and other incentives to accept people who are homeless or vulnerably housed, thus removing a real hurdle for many people who need a roof over their head but are unable to afford the initial outlay.