Two local councils in England are expanding initiatives that collaborate with private landlords to address homelessness by providing financial support and tenancy security. These schemes aim to reduce reliance on temporary accommodation and help vulnerable households secure stable housing more quickly.

Mansfield District Council extends private rental access scheme

Mansfield District Council has confirmed it will continue its private rental access scheme, which assists people moving out of temporary housing by covering upfront costs required by landlords. The scheme pays deposits and the first month’s rent, while also offering insurance-backed rent guarantor cover to protect landlords against arrears and legal costs if tenancies encounter difficulties.

In its inaugural year, the scheme supported 80 individuals, including 49 children, into private rented accommodation. This initiative addresses a critical shortage of council housing, which has forced the council to rely increasingly on bed and breakfast accommodation for those on the waiting list.

Challenges of housing shortages and financial barriers

Cllr Anne Callaghan, Mansfield’s portfolio holder for housing, highlighted the limitations of available council housing and the unsuitability of temporary accommodation, especially for families with children. She explained that many people on the waiting list lack the funds for deposits and advance rent or do not have a guarantor, which are common barriers to accessing private rented homes.

“This is where this scheme can be a game changer,” Cllr Callaghan said. “By paying deposits and a rent guarantor insurance, we can get homeless people out of temporary accommodation and into suitable housing much more quickly.”

Funding and tenancy support

To date, Mansfield Council has paid £134,081 in rent in advance and deposits, alongside £12,668.48 on guarantor cover. The council has approved a £150,000 extension of the scheme through to 31 March 2027, funded by the Homelessness and Prevention Grant.

All properties used under the scheme undergo safety and suitability checks. Tenants receive contact from the council three times within the first six months to help ensure tenancies remain on track, reflecting a proactive approach to tenancy sustainment.

Knowsley Council’s Private Rental Rescue Scheme

Knowsley Council is also expanding a scheme designed to prevent homelessness when landlords sell properties. The Private Rental Rescue Scheme enables registered social landlords to purchase properties that would otherwise lead to ‘no-fault’ evictions for tenants.

The council provides funding to bridge the gap between the social value and market price and can finance necessary works to bring homes up to standard before acquisition. Since its launch in 2023, the scheme has successfully prevented tenants from losing their homes and reduced the need for temporary accommodation.

Knowsley Council has now approved £500,000 to continue this programme. Cllr Tony Brennan, cabinet member for regeneration, emphasised the scheme’s benefits: “It is allowing us to use Section 106 contributions from developers to increase the supply of affordable, secure and good quality housing in the borough and helping us save significant sums which we may otherwise have needed to pay for temporary accommodation.”

What this means for landlords

These initiatives demonstrate local authorities’ commitment to working with private landlords by offering financial incentives and tenancy support, which can reduce risks associated with letting to vulnerable tenants. Landlords participating in such schemes benefit from rent guarantees and assistance with legal costs, while contributing to addressing homelessness in their communities.

For landlords, these programmes may present opportunities to let properties with greater security and support, potentially expanding their tenant base and fostering positive relationships with councils and social landlords.

Source: Based on reporting from Property118

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