SPARE rooms could equal spare change for Three Rivers residents joining a new housing scheme.

Three Rivers District Council's deposit guarantee scheme matches local people looking for accommodation with landlords owning self-contained properties and with families with a spare room.

The service is aimed at tenants who are receiving benefits, such as job-hunters, pensioners and people receiving disability living allowance, and guarantees the tenant's deposit for up to two months' rent.

Landlords can interview applicants before deciding whether or not to offer accommodation, and credit checks are undertaken for free by the council.

Three Rivers' deputy leader and portfolio holder for housing, Matthew Bedford, said: "The service is provided entirely free to landlords and tenants and has proved very successful.

"With more people living alone, there is increasing pressure on local housing.

"Providing accommodation supports the local community as well as providing additional household revenue for the landlord.

"It really is a win-win arrangement."

For more information telephone 01923 776611.