Reform vows it will get tough on ‘profiteering migrant landlords’
11 months ago | 5 comments
Government is expecting more landlords to accommodate asylum seekers
9:52 AM, 16th June 2025, 10 months ago
66
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.
Tags:
Labour asylum policy, local councils asylum accommodation, migrant hotels UK, National Audit Office asylum costs, private landlords asylum seekers, Rachel Reeves housing policy, Serco landlord deals, UK asylum seeker housing, UK Housing Crisis, UK rental market pressure
Comments
Have Your Say
Every day, landlords who want to influence policy and share real-world experience add their voice here. Your perspective helps keep the debate balanced.
Not a member yet? Join In Seconds
Login with
or
Next Article
Renters face delays and paperwork challengesRelated Articles
Labour doesn’t like landlords but really needs us for growing numbers of asylum seekers
11 months ago | 42 comments
Lords warn government is discriminating against renters with Serco deal for asylum seekers
11 months ago | 7 comments
Member Since August 2016 - Comments: 508
6:26 PM, 16th June 2025, About 10 months ago
Seems a universal emphatic Niet?
Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3508 - Articles: 5
6:52 PM, 16th June 2025, About 10 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Blodwyn at 16/06/2025 – 18:26
as ever only the good landlords that can see where this is heading/ends that wont take up the ‘offer’.
The ‘rogue’ ones, the quick buck chasers, the one’s needing a money laundering avenue, the one’s buying in shell companies etc…? If it’s all about grabbing the £’s now then….so there will still be very clear takers..
Member Since June 2025 - Comments: 2
8:16 PM, 16th June 2025, About 10 months ago
It really does beggar belief! The government appears to be hell bent on making private landlords so heavily regulated that many are selling up and yet they expect us to help them out housing these unknown males becase THEY havent got a clue how to stop them reaching our shores.
Member Since May 2014 - Comments: 616
11:19 AM, 17th June 2025, About 10 months ago
Perhaps what has happened in Northern Ireland might make people think twice about housing these asylum seekers.
We have been squeezed until the pips squeak by this government.
How can they expect help from us?
Member Since February 2024 - Comments: 69
10:24 AM, 20th June 2025, About 10 months ago
when I approached SERCO with a nice 3 bed semi in stoke area they said I was in the wrong area? Stoke, one of the cheapest rental areas in the country….. should be a god sent for the government. so what’s actually happening? smoke and mirrors to me . Anywa I’m going to let to long time – English – friends now
Member Since September 2018 - Comments: 3508 - Articles: 5
11:42 AM, 20th June 2025, About 10 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Sally Robinson at 20/06/2025 – 10:24
because Serco dont want their named dragged into the PR mess perhaps?
They and the govt need MORE LL;s to step forward but they don’t want properties in places where there may be already an influx which could inevitably result in public disquiet/riots etc.
In other words a quite dissemination of illegals nationwide so none notices…..they think we are stupid.
Member Since February 2024 - Comments: 69
4:32 PM, 20th June 2025, About 10 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Reluctant Landlord at 20/06/2025 – 11:42
WoW, such corruption !
Member Since August 2013 - Comments: 179
7:41 AM, 21st June 2025, About 10 months ago
Been there, done that once, never, never, never again.
Member Since March 2022 - Comments: 1
8:27 AM, 21st June 2025, About 10 months ago
As many of you have said, absolutely no way Labour! You screw landlords constantly and then expect us to help you sort your own mess that’s completely of your own making, No No No!
And morally No!
Member Since May 2018 - Comments: 84
9:51 PM, 22nd June 2025, About 10 months ago
Reply to the comment left by graham mcauley at 16/06/2025 – 16:41
I really really object to this. I have housed many asylum seekers. Just because they have fled a country does not make them a criminal