Shelter has urged the UK government to commit to building 90,000 social homes each year for the next decade, highlighting the growing crisis of children living in temporary accommodation. Recent research reveals that over half of state school teachers in England have worked with homeless children, many of whom are struggling academically and emotionally due to unstable housing. This situation is particularly relevant to landlords and agents as it underscores the urgent need for affordable, secure housing solutions within the social sector.

Rising Numbers of Children in Temporary Accommodation

New findings from Shelter and the charity Teacher Tapp reveal a record 175,025 children currently living in temporary accommodation across England. The research shows that 76% of responding teachers observed a negative impact on children’s academic performance linked to homelessness. Additionally, 75% reported significant effects on the mental health of these children, emphasising the broader social consequences of housing insecurity.

For landlords and letting agents, these figures highlight the scale of demand for stable housing and the potential pressures on the rental market, particularly regarding affordable and social housing options. The government’s homelessness strategy aims to address these issues, but the current shortage of social homes remains a critical barrier.

The Call for 90,000 Social Homes Per Year

Shelter’s chief executive, Sarah Elliott, stresses the importance of increasing social housing supply to alleviate the crisis. She states: “The housing emergency is infiltrating our classrooms and robbing children of their most basic need of a safe and secure home.” Elliott highlights the challenges faced by homeless children, including long commutes to school from distant temporary accommodation and the difficulty of studying in overcrowded, unsuitable environments such as bed and breakfast rooms.

From a landlord’s perspective, the call for a national target to deliver 90,000 social homes annually for ten years represents a significant policy focus that could influence housing demand and supply dynamics. Increased social housing stock may relieve some pressure on the private rental sector, potentially stabilising rents and improving tenant turnover rates.

Financial Implications of Temporary Accommodation

The cost of housing families in temporary accommodation is projected to rise sharply, with estimates suggesting a 71% increase to £3.9 billion by 2029. This equates to approximately £22,000 per household per year, a substantial public expenditure that could be mitigated through investment in permanent social housing.

For landlords and property managers, understanding these financial pressures is important as they may affect government housing policies, funding allocations, and the broader housing market. The emphasis on affordable social rent homes could also influence future housing development priorities and planning regulations.

Implications for Landlords and Agents

Landlords and letting agents should be aware of the government’s commitment to preventing homelessness and the potential expansion of social housing. This may impact the availability of properties in the private rental sector, particularly for lower-income tenants. Additionally, the focus on supporting families and children in housing need could lead to increased collaboration between social landlords and private sector landlords to provide suitable accommodation.

Understanding the challenges faced by homeless families can also inform landlords’ approaches to tenant support and property management, particularly when accommodating vulnerable households. Ensuring properties meet appropriate standards and offering flexible tenancy arrangements may become increasingly important.

Looking Ahead: Support for Landlords and Service Providers

The Landlord Association (TLA) is preparing to launch a new Trusted Partners Hub in the first quarter of 2026. This platform will feature verified and approved service providers aimed at supporting landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. Legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other relevant service providers are invited to register their interest to become TLA service partners. This initiative may offer landlords additional resources to navigate the evolving housing landscape and support tenants effectively.