what help is available in the south uk to help people get a deposit together for a flat...usualy three month rent in advance in total......if they cant get a loan.
No help that I know of - but after having rented for quite a number of years, I've never ever had to pay 3 months in advance - the most I've paid is a months rent in advance plus a months rent as a deposit and I live on the south coast!
I let a spare room and last year I had someone who got assistance with the deposit from the DSS or whatever it's called these days. I think it was on a loan basis.
You can ask for a loan from the Social Fund (phone yir nearest Jobcentre Plus office) to cover rent in advance but not for a deposit and it's very unlikely that they would lend an amount for more than a month's rent.
It's unusal that you would be asked for 3 months rent in advance. I've know sometimes a certain periods rent had to be paid in advance for prospective tenants who have not cleared a credit check (not suggesting you are in this situation) but if you are going through an agent (and often the same privately) you will generally be asked for your first months rent in advance and a security deposit which is often equal to a months rent.