Two local councils have expanded initiatives working with private landlords to address homelessness and reduce reliance on temporary accommodation. Mansfield District Council and Knowsley Council are offering financial support and innovative schemes to help vulnerable tenants 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, designed to assist people moving out of temporary housing by covering upfront costs for landlords. The scheme pays deposits and the first month’s rent and includes a rent guarantor insurance to cover arrears and legal costs if tenancies encounter difficulties.

In its first year, the scheme supported 80 people into private accommodation, including 49 children. This approach aims to alleviate pressure on council housing, which is in short supply, and reduce the use of costly and unsuitable bed and breakfast accommodation for those on waiting lists.

Addressing the housing shortage and financial barriers

Cllr Anne Callaghan, Mansfield’s portfolio holder for housing, highlighted the challenges faced by those waiting for housing. She said: “Sadly, there is just not enough council housing available to help everyone in need and increasingly the council has had to use bed and breakfast accommodation to help people on the waiting list.”

She added that many people lack the funds to pay deposits and rent in advance or do not have a rent guarantor, making it difficult to access private rented accommodation. “This is where this scheme can be a game changer,” she stated. “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, the council has paid £134,081 in rent in advance and deposits, with an additional £12,668.48 spent on guarantor cover. Mansfield has approved a £150,000 extension of the scheme through to 31 March 2027, funded via the Homelessness and Prevention Grant.

All properties involved are inspected to ensure they are safe and suitable. Tenants receive contact from the council three times within the first six months to help maintain tenancy stability.

Knowsley Council expands Private Rental Rescue Scheme

Knowsley Council is extending its Private Rental Rescue Scheme, which helps tenants avoid no-fault evictions when their landlord decides to sell the property. The scheme enables registered social landlords to purchase these properties, preventing tenants from losing their homes.

The council provides funding to bridge the gap between the social value and market price and can finance necessary repairs to bring homes up to standard before purchase. Since its launch in 2023, the scheme has successfully reduced the use of temporary accommodation by keeping families in their homes.

Knowsley has now approved £500,000 to continue this programme. Cllr Tony Brennan, cabinet member for regeneration, commented: “We’ve seen the enormous benefits of our Private Rental Rescue Scheme which is keeping families together and preventing them from the stress and uncertainty of no-fault evictions.”

He added that the scheme utilises Section 106 contributions from developers to increase affordable, secure, and good-quality housing in the borough, while also saving significant sums that would otherwise be spent on temporary accommodation.

What this means for landlords

These schemes offer landlords financial incentives and security, including upfront payment of deposits and rent, as well as insurance-backed rent guarantor cover. This reduces the risk associated with letting to tenants who might otherwise struggle to meet initial costs or require a guarantor.

For landlords considering participation, the councils’ thorough property checks and ongoing tenant support aim to maintain tenancy stability and reduce potential disputes. Such partnerships can provide landlords with reliable rental income and contribute to addressing homelessness in their communities.

Source: Based on reporting from Property118

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