Landlords urged to help Crisis house homeless people

Landlords are being asked to provide homes for people facing homelessness, with free help to find tenants and keep tenancies going.

The support can include rent guarantee insurance, although this is offered when needed.

Homelessness charity Crisis is seeking landlords willing to let properties through its tenant matching service.

Last year, it helped 750 people into private rented homes and prevented another 102 from losing their accommodation, according to the NRLA.

Support throughout the tenancy

Crisis landlord liaison officer Peter Moir said: “I consider both the landlord and tenants’ needs and will be there throughout the tenancy to make sure it’s a success.”

His role involves helping landlords and letting agents who are looking for tenants.

He described helping someone find a property and leave homelessness behind as a source of personal pride.

Landlord Lynsey McAdam, who has joined the scheme, also praised the charity’s assistance and the availability of its staff.

Free help for landlords

Landlords receive a named contact and help arranging direct rent payments, while staff match prospective tenants to properties according to both parties’ needs.

Support to help sustain the tenancy is available for up to six months after the tenant moves in.

However, Crisis says it cannot promise that every tenancy will be free of problems, and offers mediation when disputes arise.

Landlords must provide evidence that they are meeting their legal responsibilities and keeping tenants safe before the charity places someone in their property.

Helping tenants settle in

Prospective tenants undergo suitability and affordability checks, with individual help available to complete forms and understand their responsibilities.

They can also receive assistance with deposits and advance rent, alongside advice on managing money.

The service supports people already homeless or at risk, including those in hostels, temporary accommodation or staying on someone else’s sofa.

There’s more information on the Crisis’ website about its Services for Landlords.