THE first couple to take advantage of a new tenancy renting scheme, set up by Bromsgrove District Council, have been given the keys to their new home.

Eighteen-year-old Amanda Hughes and her partner, Martin Roberts, 20, met with their new landlord, Darren Cutler of Eden Properties, to sign their tenancy agreement for their Charford home. The council's Step Up Private Tenancy Scheme' gives successful applicants a helping hand to secure a home for themselves in a privately rented property by helping them out financially with the money required by landlords to secure a tenancy.

Jennifer Delorenzo, the council's housing initiatives officer, said: "The scheme is available to people throughout the district in housing need, who can afford to pay the rent each month and prefer the flexibility and independence of private renting.

"The council is able to offer landlords one month's rent in advance of the tenancy and a guarantee bond, which is used instead of the traditional deposit. The landlord will be able to make a claim to the council against the bond if necessary for any damage or rent arrears up to a maximum of one month's rent. Tenants will be asked to pay the council back for the advanced rent under reasonable terms tailored to suit each individual case."

For details of the scheme contact Bromsgrove and District Citizens' Advice Bureau on 557397. Landlords interested in the scheme should contact Jennifer at the Council House on 881228.