Government funds Shelter to promote Renters’ Rights Act to tenants
3 months ago | 7 comments
Shelter CEO wants to work with private landlords
9:30 AM, 3rd February 2026, 3 months ago
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Shelter’s new chief executive hints she is willing to work with private landlords to tackle the housing crisis.
In an interview with Inside Housing, Sarah Elliott says she has had a constructive meeting with the chief executive of a landlord association.
Ms Elliott became the head of Shelter in September last year, after Polly Neate stood down following seven years in the role.
Going to have to work as a collective to end homelessness
Ms Elliott told Inside Housing that under her leadership, the housing charity wants to take a “convening role to get everyone around the table.”
She said she has already met with a private landlord association to discuss the impact of the Section 21 abolition under the Renters’ Rights Act. She did not name the association but hinted at a shift in the way Shelter engages with the private rented sector.
She told Inside Housing: “I think we’re very pragmatic, and I think our role will need to evolve. Where there are rogue landlords who are not doing the right thing, we clearly will not be on their side.
“But I do think we’re going to have to work as a collective if we’re going to improve the system and end homelessness.”
Ms Elliott added the housing charity wants to work with councils and housing developers to build more social housing.
Ms Neate criticised private landlords
This marks a shift from her predecessor, Polly Neate, who had criticised private landlords and accused the Conservative government of “bowing down to vested interests while renters are marched out of their homes in their thousands” over delays to the Renters’ (Reform) Bill.
Ms Neate also claimed that Section 21 evictions were a driving force behind homelessness, despite government evidence suggesting otherwise.
Last year, Ms Neate was nominated as a crossbench Peer in the House of Lords, with the Independent House of Lords Appointments Commission describing her as “an expert in social policy, specialising in housing, homelessness and violence against women and girls.”
Tags:
Abolition of Section 21 Evictions, polly neate shelter, Renters’ Rights Act, Sarah Elliot, Shelter
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Member Since September 2015 - Comments: 153
10:16 PM, 4th February 2026, About 3 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Paul Essex at 03/02/2026 – 09:25
Yep, this reminds me of an abusive partner after beating the living c^^p out of the partner then sits down and says they want to change and work together to have a better relationship..
Shelter can go do one.. Maybe they should actually provide housing..
Member Since October 2013 - Comments: 1642 - Articles: 3
10:14 AM, 5th February 2026, About 3 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Amjid Ali at 04/02/2026 – 22:04
I said some time ago, once they’ve killed off traditional BTL, shelter will need to find another cause to justify their funding.
Member Since February 2016 - Comments: 977 - Articles: 1
3:41 PM, 5th February 2026, About 3 months ago
I will NEVER work with Shelter. Never.
They banned me from their FB site because I dared to criticise S24 and their conduct.
They hate LLs.
I will really be surprised if any LL worked with them.
They have enough funds to start housing people
Member Since October 2013 - Comments: 1642 - Articles: 3
6:47 PM, 5th February 2026, About 3 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Whiteskifreak Surrey at 15:41
I can see the NRLA cosying up.
Member Since May 2019 - Comments: 123
11:47 AM, 7th February 2026, About 3 months ago
Now seated in the House of Lords to be known as Baroness Peate of Hammersmith.
Member Since October 2013 - Comments: 1642 - Articles: 3
5:04 PM, 8th February 2026, About 3 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Carchester at 07/02/2026 – 11:47
Paid a handsome salary from taxpayer grants and donations, delivered zero housing for the homeless, and now being paid £350 per day for the rest of her life, again, by the taxpayer. Someone please explain what value Neate delivered at shelter.
Member Since May 2025 - Comments: 75
4:08 PM, 9th February 2026, About 2 months ago
Reply to the comment left by Carchester at 07/02/2026 – 11:47
Seriously that makes me sick that she’s now a Baroness. Seems Labour rewards liars and anyone with zero morals eg Lord Mandelson etc.
So much for Starmer’s quote when elected “To govern this country is an honour, not a birthright. It is an act of service to the British people…It requires honesty, integrity and moral authority”
If you are dishonest, zero morals and zero integrity then congratulations – the un-elected House of Lords is your next step.
I wish the King would get a grip on this sleaze.