New Shelter Leadership Embraces Collaboration with Private Landlords

Sarah Elliott, who took over as chief executive of Shelter in September 2025, has expressed a readiness to work alongside private landlords to address the ongoing housing crisis in the UK. In an interview with Inside Housing, Ms Elliott revealed she has already held a constructive meeting with the chief executive of a landlord association, signalling a more pragmatic and cooperative approach from the housing charity.

Working Collectively to End Homelessness

Ms Elliott emphasised the need for Shelter to play a “convening role to get everyone around the table,” including private landlords, councils, and housing developers. She acknowledged the challenges posed by recent legislative changes, such as the abolition of Section 21 under the Renters’ Rights Act, and indicated that Shelter’s role will evolve to reflect these new realities.

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.”

This statement highlights a shift towards partnership and dialogue with the private rented sector, recognising the importance of landlords in providing housing solutions.

Implications for Private Landlords

For private landlords, this development suggests a potential thawing in relations with Shelter, which has historically been critical of the sector. By engaging directly with landlord associations, Shelter under Ms Elliott’s leadership appears to be seeking practical collaboration rather than confrontation.

This could lead to more balanced discussions on housing policy and the role of private landlords in preventing homelessness, particularly in light of recent legislative changes affecting tenancy agreements and eviction processes.

Contrast with Previous Leadership

The new approach contrasts with that of Ms Elliott’s predecessor, Polly Neate, who had been openly critical of private landlords and the Conservative government’s handling of renters’ rights. Ms Neate accused the government of “bowing down to vested interests” amid delays to the Renters’ (Reform) Bill and highlighted Section 21 evictions as a significant cause of homelessness, despite government evidence suggesting otherwise.

Ms Neate stepped down after seven years in the role and was nominated as a crossbench Peer in the House of Lords, recognised for her expertise in social policy, housing, and homelessness.

Continuing Focus on Social Housing

Alongside working with private landlords, Ms Elliott reaffirmed Shelter’s commitment to collaborating with councils and housing developers to increase the supply of social housing. This dual focus reflects the complexity of the housing crisis and the need for multiple solutions across different sectors.

What It Means for the Private Rented Sector

Landlords and letting agents should note that Shelter’s new leadership is signalling a more inclusive and pragmatic stance. This could open opportunities for dialogue on regulatory reforms and support mechanisms aimed at improving tenant outcomes and reducing homelessness.

While Shelter remains firm against rogue landlords, the willingness to engage constructively may help foster a more balanced debate on the future of the private rented sector in the UK.

Suggested internal link anchors

• private landlords UK
• Section 21 abolition
• Renters’ Rights Act
• homelessness in the UK
• social housing development
• landlord associations
• tenant eviction numbers
• private rented sector challenges
• housing policy reform
• Shelter leadership changes

TLA update

TLA is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026, featuring verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. We are inviting legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers to register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/