Government is expecting more landlords to accommodate asylum seekers

Government is expecting more landlords to accommodate asylum seekers

9:52 AM, 16th June 2025, About 8 months ago 66

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Labour says that more private landlords will need to play a bigger role in housing migrants, the Daily Telegraph reports.

The move will help meet Labour’s pledge to phase out migrant hotels, saving taxpayers an estimated £1 billion annually, as stated during last week’s Spending Review.

The decision to shift away from hotels, which currently cost £145 per night per asylum seeker compared to £14 for private accommodation, aims to ease financial burdens.

However, critics are warning that doing so will increase competition among renters for homes.

Backlog of asylum claims

Chris Philp, the shadow home secretary, told the Telegraph: “No matter how much Rachel Reeves may claim [Labour] will get the backlog of asylum claims down – immigrants will still need a place to stay.

“With experts warning that the Government will get nowhere near their target of delivering 1.5m new homes, the British people must come first when it comes to access to housing.

“Accommodating illegal immigrants in flats takes up valuable space needed by our own young people.”

Nathan Emerson, the chief executive of Propertymark, also warned that competition or homes in the private rented sector was stiff with an average of seven applicants for each home.

Serco among PRS contractors

In recent months, Property118 has reported on a bid by the Home Office to encourage three contractors to find more PRS homes.

They include Serco, which is offering landlords guaranteed five-year rental contracts, including full rent paid on time, along with free property management.

Property repairs, utilities and council tax bills are also covered.

The National Audit Office revealed in May that asylum seeker housing costs could reach £15.3 billion, triple the £4.5 billion initially projected by the previous Conservative government in 2019.

That’s despite a 15% reduction in hotel use from 38,079 asylum seekers in December to 32,345 by March.

The Local Government Association welcomed the plan to close hotels but stressed the need for early council involvement.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer, who vowed to end hotel use for asylum seekers before last year’s election, faces mounting pressure to balance housing demands while fulfilling this commitment.


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Cider Drinker

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Member Since December 2023 - Comments: 1539

10:12 AM, 16th June 2025, About 8 months ago

Government is going to be disappointed.

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JoolzUK

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Member Since May 2024 - Comments: 72

10:25 AM, 16th June 2025, About 8 months ago

Stupid government. Not helping uk folk. Making rents higher. Upsetting stable communities. All for what?

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A Reader

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Member Since November 2024 - Comments: 81

10:32 AM, 16th June 2025, About 8 months ago

Sensible, ethical landlords say no.

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Penny Lyon

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Member Since May 2019 - Comments: 18

10:52 AM, 16th June 2025, About 8 months ago

It’s a bit rich asking for landlord help. What have they done to help landlords? The answer is No

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David100

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Member Since October 2023 - Comments: 188

11:02 AM, 16th June 2025, About 8 months ago

So basically, the government using public funds, to bid for accommodation against the public looking for a place to rent.

Interesting strategy.

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Dino Saw

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Member Since March 2023 - Comments: 30

11:04 AM, 16th June 2025, About 8 months ago

Only foolish landlords would take this up… as a landlord with experience in this the damage to property is just not worth it…. Neighbours tracking you down because of anti social behaviour of tenants , maintenance not being done on properties by Servo and the others, properties being given back with issues, insurance issues (sometimes), house fires,…. All for the sake of a few wuid more…
And don’t forget the moralities, the taxes the gov have put on you as landlords, no respect for landlords and you don’t know how the gov will change the rental rules that could ties you in to 5 year contracts at a time when your personal circumstances makes your situation change and your stuck in a contract…
Don’t do it is my advice you need to keep flexibility on your property if your personal situation changes….

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Reluctant Landlord

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Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3438 - Articles: 5

11:14 AM, 16th June 2025, About 8 months ago

Don’t look at me to help. Your bed – you lie in it.

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Gilly Osborne

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Member Since September 2015 - Comments: 12

11:14 AM, 16th June 2025, About 8 months ago

As a landlord of 25 years with only two properties left after progressively selling my portfolio year by year I can confirm with absolute certainty I will NEVER allow this wretched government to proceed with any such proposal where my remaining houses are concerned.
The very thought of placing unknown, unregistered, complete strangers, all Male, from Lord knows where amongst decent hard working families. Any sane person knows this places a real and present danger firstly to any children, specifically young girls, and is the root cause of potential violence and intimidation. These migrants have nothing useful to occupy them. It’s the end of the safety in our society.
Why can’t Labour understand this?

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Judith Wordsworth

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Member Since January 2015 - Comments: 1382

11:15 AM, 16th June 2025, About 8 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Dino Saw at 16/06/2025 – 11:04
Couldn’t have said it better.

May I use your comments on other landlord forums please?

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Gilly Osborne

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Member Since September 2015 - Comments: 12

11:16 AM, 16th June 2025, About 8 months ago

Reply to the comment left by Reluctant Landlord at 16/06/2025 – 11:14
Precisely

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