New partnership wants to know why private landlords won’t rent to councils

New partnership wants to know why private landlords won’t rent to councils

0:01 AM, 2nd September 2024, About a month ago 65

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A groundbreaking partnership has been launched to harness the potential of the private rented sector (PRS) to combat the homelessness crisis in the UK.

The collaboration between Crisis and TDS Group will focus on developing strategies to encourage PRS landlords to rent homes to those who are homeless.

Private landlords are seen as a potential solution to homelessness but 97% of councils say they struggle to get landlords to take on homeless people and families.

Official figures reveal a surge in homelessness across England and between January and March, a record 86,520 households sought homelessness assistance and were deemed eligible for support.

Also, the number of households living in temporary accommodation has risen by 12% compared to last year, with 17,750 individuals living in bed and breakfast settings seeing a 30% rise.

‘End homelessness for good’

Dr Jennifer Harris, the head of policy and research at TDS Group, said: “The government has rightly committed to developing a cross-government strategy to end homelessness for good.

“For all the challenges it faces, the private rented sector can play an important and positive role in helping to achieve this mission.”

She adds: “Working with Crisis, landlords and those who face homelessness we will build the evidence needed to demonstrate how best to improve access to stable, secure and decent rented housing for those most in need.”

Solution to the housing shortage

The PRS is seen as a potential solution to the housing shortage, with councils empowered to offer private accommodation to homeless applicants.

Recent research conducted by the TDS Charitable Foundation highlights the reluctance of private landlords to accommodate tenants housed via local authorities, with 46% expressing reservations.

The partnership between Crisis and TDS Group will involve several key initiatives:

  • Dedicated support: Specialist staff at six Crisis Skylight centres across the country will receive funding from TDS Group to collaborate with landlords and individuals facing homelessness, facilitating access to rental housing and promoting tenancy sustainability
  • Financial assistance: Individuals experiencing homelessness will receive support to cover the costs associated with establishing a home in the PRS. This includes funding for deposits, furniture and travel expenses for property viewings
  • Policy development: Research and evidence gathering will inform policymakers on the most effective strategies to support individuals at risk of homelessness in accessing the private rented sector.

‘Private rented sector is almost inaccessible’

The executive director of policy and social change at Crisis, Francesca Albanese, said: “High deposits and up-front rent payments, mean the private rented sector is almost inaccessible for people facing homelessness.

“Plus, unaffordable rents, a lack of social housing and high living costs are making it increasingly challenging for many low-income households to find and keep a stable home.”

She added: “Securing new ways to access private rental properties for our members is invaluable and why we’re so pleased to be partnering with the TDS Group to begin this unique initiative.

“We look forward to working with them to open more doors into secure rental properties and ultimately, helping more people out of homelessness for good.”


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Ross McColl

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17:25 PM, 19th September 2024, About 2 weeks ago

The risks of taking on sub par tenants have increased exponentially in the last 5 or so years. Historically landlords could be confident that if they had a bad tenant, they could get their house back in a sensible time frame. This allowed them to take on riskier tenants. Those days are long gone. Landlords who don’t carry out full referencing and take out rental guarantees leave themself open to huge losses. This in itself has made a certain portion of the tenant population untenantable as they cannot pass referencing.

Desert Rat

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4:35 AM, 27th September 2024, About A week ago

Reply to the comment left by AnthonyJames at 02/09/2024 - 21:54
I would never trust a council or business to rent my houses to. When things go wrong they will just walk away.

I've never had to issue a S21 or S8 and would like to keep it that way.

Mick Roberts

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6:54 AM, 27th September 2024, About A week ago

Reply to the comment left by Ross McColl at 19/09/2024 - 17:25
That's it Ross. I used to take anyone Pre 2015.
If they'd be trouble, we knew we could eventually get these out. As my videos below show which used to be a regular occurrence. Used to average 2 of these a a year. BUT AT LEAST we could get the bad ones out. Now as you say We ain't taking these non perfect tenants any more. They are really losing out.
https://youtu.be/i_HKaqYlHi4 Tenants from Hell Bulwell.

https://youtu.be/OzqVVRlZzE8 Tenants from Hell Bestwood Park

https://youtu.be/QcENHbgfMR4 Tenants from Hell Top Valley Nov 2010

https://youtu.be/_UvO8dmxGQQ Tenants from Hell May 12th 2010.

https://youtu.be/DzRIyfLHRn0 Tenants from Hell May 10th 2010.

The rest are on http://www.youtube.com/mickroberts2006
I han't done any for years.

GlanACC

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7:58 AM, 27th September 2024, About A week ago

Reply to the comment left by Mick Roberts at 27/09/2024 - 06:54
I was on the BBC Money Program in 2007 and a follow up a few years later - the landlord who was losing money as the rents weren't keeping up with the high mortgage rates. Well, unlike many .. I survived and am still here to tell the tale .. and likely to make a nice profit barring Reeves impending budget. No more tenants for me though when the current lot (6 properties now)l eave .. I am selling up.

Mick Roberts

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10:47 AM, 27th September 2024, About A week ago

Reply to the comment left by GlanACC at 27/09/2024 - 07:58
Aah good for u Glenn to tell your story.
I too around 2007 2008 was losing on several houses about £200pm each one. People said I was bonkers and what was I doing it for.
Same as u I said cause hopefully one day these houses are gonna go up, rents go up, and we pay the mortgages down. So in 20 years time we can have something. This is what Labour and Generation Rent don't get. We lost for years to make it later. They want us to lose and not make it back now.

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