Richmond Council has adopted a new Private Rented Sector Offer Policy, aiming to enhance landlord checks and provide more settled accommodation options for individuals facing homelessness. The policy, unanimously approved by the Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Committee on Thursday, July 30, 2026, is designed to discharge the council's main homelessness duty by assisting households in securing private rented accommodation for at least six months.
The policy anticipates making approximately 48 private rented sector offers per year, a figure benchmarked against similar London authorities. Officers noted that even if the number of direct offers is lower, increased access to private rented accommodation during the relief period could still represent a benefit, with built-in capacity and mitigation strategies to potentially exceed targets.
Key aspects of the policy include a robust suitability assessment for any offered accommodation, ensuring it is affordable, meets the physical and medical needs of the household, and is located within a reasonable distance of essential services. The definition of 'reasonable distance' is flexible, taking into account the specific needs of the household, including the mobility of children and the location of schools. Case law guides the council to consider all factors, such as the impact on young children and ensuring schools are taking admissions. Each case is assessed individually, rather than through a blanket approach.
Households have the right to request a review if they believe an offer is not suitable. This review is conducted by a more senior and independent member of staff. The process begins with a decision letter outlining the grounds for suitability. A review can be requested via email within 28 days of receiving this letter and is typically completed within eight weeks. If still unsatisfied, households can pursue a legal appeal through the courts on a point of law, with eligibility for legal aid generally available. This appeal must be submitted within 28 days of the review decision letter.
Financially, the policy is projected to generate significant savings for the council. Initial estimates suggest savings of £40,000 in the first year, rising to £1.92 million by 2029-30.
Under the new policy, landlords will undergo checks to ensure they are 'fit and proper persons', as required by the Renters' Rights Act. These checks will include reviewing landlord databases, Companies House records, and any outstanding prosecution or criminal records. If a landlord or letting agent has flags against them, they will be prevented from operating as a landlord. These measures are part of a larger piece of recently introduced legislation.
While the council's formal contractual relationship with the landlord ends upon accommodation offer, officers will aim to maintain contact to intervene if a risk to the tenancy arises, fulfilling their prevention duty. Support services will also be available to help households maximize their income, access welfare benefits, and find employment or additional working hours. This includes reviewing access to welfare benefits, assessing expenditure to reduce costs, and assisting individuals into employment or to increase their working hours.
Councillor Piers Allen, Chair of the committee, highlighted the policy's aim to improve choices for those facing homelessness and reduce expenditure on temporary accommodation. Paul Chadwick, Executive Director of Resident Services, stated that the overall aim is to provide a more certain and helpful service for those at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
The council plans to present a review report to the committee approximately nine months after implementation to assess the policy's effectiveness. This review will cover general improvements and the specific impact of the Private Rented Sector Offer Policy, using metrics such as offers made, acceptance and refusal rates, review requests and their outcomes, tenancy sustainment, and instances of households returning as homeless.
The policy's implementation is immediate, as it enacts powers already existing within the Housing Act 1996. This contrasts with changes to the council's allocations policy, which require further consultation. The full public reports pack for the committee meeting can be found here. The agenda frontsheet is available here.
