Nearly 1,000 households in England sought assistance from local councils for homelessness last year, reaching record levels that have significant implications for landlords and letting agents. The rising demand for homelessness support highlights ongoing challenges in the private rented sector, including tenancy terminations and rent arrears, which landlords need to understand as they manage their properties and tenants.

Record numbers seeking homelessness support

According to the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, 360,050 households approached councils for homelessness help between April 2024 and March 2025. Of these, 330,410 were accepted as homeless or at imminent risk, marking the highest total on record. This equates to nearly a thousand households every day turning to local authorities for support.

The leading cause of homelessness was the end of a tenancy, affecting 57,190 households. Within this group, 14% (8,040 households) were reported to have rent arrears. This data underlines the critical role landlords and agents play in tenancy sustainment and the importance of addressing rent arrears early to prevent homelessness.

Impact of Section 21 evictions and policy changes

The figures reveal that 26,660 households became homeless or at risk due to Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions. These evictions are set to be abolished under the Renters’ Rights Act, which will come into effect in May 2026. This legislative change will significantly affect landlords’ ability to regain possession of their properties without cause, emphasising the need for landlords to adapt to new tenancy management practices.

Francesca Albanese, executive director of policy and social change at the homeless charity Crisis, commented on the situation: “The outlook on homelessness in England remains deeply troubling, with nearly a thousand people seeking support from their councils every single day. The UK government needs to tackle this issue as a matter of urgency.”

Family breakdown and temporary accommodation pressures

Family breakdown continues to be a major trigger for homelessness, with 54,300 cases where friends or relatives could no longer provide accommodation. This includes many individuals who had been sofa surfing, a group often overlooked but vulnerable to housing instability.

At the end of March 2025, 130,890 households were living in temporary accommodation, an increase of 11.5% compared to the previous year. Of these, 82,990 households included children, up 11.4% year on year. Councils also reported 2,300 families stuck in bed and breakfasts for six weeks or more, despite statutory limits designed to prevent long stays in unsuitable conditions.

Implications for landlords and the private rented sector

These statistics highlight the ongoing pressures on the housing system and the private rented sector’s role in preventing homelessness. Landlords and letting agents should be aware of the increasing scrutiny on tenancy management, particularly regarding rent arrears and eviction processes.

With the abolition of Section 21 evictions approaching, landlords will need to rely more on Section 8 grounds and proactive tenant engagement to manage tenancies effectively. Additionally, the government’s commitment to £39 billion in funding for social and affordable housing over the next decade may influence the availability of alternative housing options for those at risk.

Francesca Albanese urged the government to reconsider the freeze on housing benefit, stating: “We urge the Chancellor to reconsider her decision to keep housing benefit frozen and instead restore it to cover at least the cheapest 30% of private rents in a local area. This would stop people on low incomes being pushed out of their homes.” This highlights the ongoing affordability challenges faced by tenants and the indirect impact on landlords.

Looking ahead: support for landlords and tenants

Given the complex landscape of homelessness and housing policy, landlords and agents must stay informed and prepared for changes affecting tenancy rights and housing support. The Tenant and Landlord Association (TLA) is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026, which will feature verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. This initiative aims to provide landlords with access to trusted legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other essential services.

Service providers interested in joining the Trusted Partners Hub can register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/.