Richmond Council has adopted a new Private Rented Sector Offer Policy aimed at improving choices for individuals facing homelessness and reducing the council's expenditure on temporary accommodation. The policy, unanimously approved by the Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Committee, will assist individuals and families in securing settled accommodation in the private rented sector.
The new policy is expected to lead to significant financial savings for the council, with projections indicating savings of £40,000 in the first year, rising to £1.92 million by 2029-30. These savings are based on an estimated 48 private rented sector offers per year, a figure benchmarked against similar London authorities. This projected number of offers is expected to assist approximately 48 individuals or families in its first year of implementation.
Key aspects of the policy include a robust suitability assessment for any offered accommodation, ensuring it is affordable, meets the household's physical and medical needs, and is located within a reasonable distance of essential services. The definition of 'reasonable distance' is not an arbitrary blanket figure and takes into account the specific needs of the household. For example, a guideline of 75 minutes for secondary school travel may differ for a family with a wheelchair-dependent child. Case law dictates that all factors, including the impact on young children not yet at school, must be considered. Journey times are provided as a guideline and not a blanket policy, varying based on individual circumstances such as the mobility of children, the need to support children in different schools, or if a person works night shifts and relies on public transport when it is less available. The cost of travel will also be factored into the affordability assessment.
Households will retain the right to request a review if they believe an offer is not suitable, with further legal appeal options available. If a household is still not satisfied after a review of a suitability assessment, they can seek a legal appeal through the court on a point of law. Eligibility for legal aid is typically available in these circumstances.
The policy aligns with the Renters' Rights Act, requiring landlords and letting agents to be fit and proper persons, with the council conducting necessary checks. Under the Renters' Rights Act, landlords and letting agents must be 'fit and proper persons'. The council will check this through various sources, including landlord databases, Companies House records, and by reviewing any outstanding prosecution or criminal records. If a landlord or letting agent has flags against them, they will no longer be able to operate as such.
Support services will also be available to help households maximise their income and access welfare benefits. This includes looking at access to welfare benefits, assessing expenditure to identify potential cost reductions, and assisting with consolidating spending. Additionally, support can be provided to help individuals find employment or increase their working hours.
Paul Chadwick, Executive Director of Resident Services, highlighted that the policy is part of a broader homelessness transformation programme. He noted that a new Director for this area, Altin Smiley, with experience from Kensington and Chelsea Council, will be joining the team, bringing valuable relationships with landlords and expertise in implementing changes.
Potential challenges include ensuring that offers of private rented accommodation adequately take into account housing needs, support needs, and access to appropriate health and support networks. This is particularly relevant for households with more complex needs, including disabled people, children at critical stages of education, carers, care-experienced young people, and those affected by domestic abuse. Some households may not be ready to sustain a private rented tenancy or may have needs that cannot be met within the private rented sector. The council mitigates these risks by conducting a case-by-case suitability assessment that considers health, safeguarding, education, transport, and support needs. Offers are only made if the council is satisfied they are suitable and affordable. If an offer is made outside the borough, suitability is assessed, and additional support is provided. The policy also recognizes that the private rented sector is not appropriate in all cases, such as for households requiring support or those who cannot manage a tenancy. Applicants retain the right to request a review of any offer.
The committee also reviewed the updated committee work programme, with the Private Rented Sector Offer Policy being a key item. The policy was adopted with immediate effect, as it enacts a power already existing within the Housing Act 1996 and does not require further consultation. The full details of the policy can be found in the Public reports pack for the Adult Social Services, Health and Housing Committee meeting on Thursday 30 July 2026 Public reports pack Thursday 30-Jul-2026 19.00 Adult Social Services Health and Housing Committe.pdf.
