Sharing Solutions: How to make shared lettings work. Ella Wesolowicz 29 th September 2015

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1 Sharing Solutions: How to make shared lettings work Ella Wesolowicz 29 th September 2015

2 About us National charity for single homeless people. We are dedicated to ending homelessness by delivering life-changing services and campaigning for change. National lead on using the private rented sector as a housing option for homeless people. Crisis has worked on private renting since 1997 Funding Programmes Advisory Service

3 The Sharing Solutions Programme DCLG funding 8 schemes Aim - Create replicable models and sustainable tenancies Learning and good practice programme

4 Supply The Models Support Lodgings Empty student accommodation Bringing properties up to standard Empty Homes Funding Registered providers Training flats Peer mentors Lead tenants Non-resident parent households Pre-tenancy training Matching

5 Training Flats The type of tenancy agreement balancing flexibility and security. Sustainment of tenancies requires intensive support, particularly for clients who have never held a tenancy or lived in shared accommodation. Careful matching of clients is critical Smaller numbers of sharers in training flats makes sharing easier for clients to consider, but market conditions dictate how a shared house stacks up financially. Important to ensure that clients have adequate support to move on from a training tenancy into more permanent accommodation.

6 Lodgings Evidence suggests that owner occupiers are often better placed, and more willing, to take a lodger Lodgings required a significant investment of time and effort but worthwhile where there was a need for shorter-term, less secure, but affordable accommodation Partnerships with social housing providers and local authorities were critical for promoting the scheme Providing support for the lodger and the host was important. For hosts, it was important to fully understand the financial connotations of collecting rent, particularly its impact on the host s benefit claims

7 Single Parents with Non-Resident Children Providing shared accommodation for fathers with non-resident children - one of the most challenging aspects of the Programme Success hinged on the ability to find the right kind of accommodation. there is a case for PRS Access Schemes (in partnership with landlords) to develop appropriate properties rather than seeking them out Once this hurdle is overcome, sharing is a viable solution for this particular client group positive outcomes for fathers continued contact with their children support and security after a relationship breakdown that stabilises their lives

8 Peer Mentors Volunteer Peer Mentors can deliver positive outcomes for the volunteer, the organisation and clients accessing a PRS access service Requires resources Recruiting people with the right skills and knowledge was important: communication skills were equally important, and volunteers required support to make the transition from client to advice provider

9 Making Sharing Work Improving the supply of suitable accommodation Fostering a culture of sharing Managing shared accommodation Supporting tenants toward sustainment Positive engagement with private landlords Effective partnerships

10 Outcomes for Tenants Acquisition and development of skills necessary for independent living and tenancy maintenance, leading to increased confidence Space and support to focus on and improve other aspects of their lives A 'safety net' of support to cope with issues that might otherwise put tenancies at risk Financially 'better off' Factors that lead to better outcomes: Offering intensive support packages Tenants were happier when sharing with a smaller number of people, and contrasted this with their experience of hostels Making rent and bills inclusive - budget more effectively Taking away potential conflicts - employing a cleaner, buying a TV license

11 Conclusions Sharing Solutions demonstrates that sharing can be effective for low-income, younger people and vulnerable groups (to an extent) But, requires resources support is key Evidence of significantly improved outcomes for tenants where it goes well and potential for significant savings from homelessness prevention

12 Recommendations for access schemes Extend the use of training flats, especially in partnership with the housing association sector Develop lead tenant schemes, with appropriate incentives, especially in areas where there is little culture of sharing Promote pre-tenancy training, and ensure that courses consider issues around shared accommodation Provide examples of possible management and financial gains for landlords Extend the range of options for prospective tenants - e.g. lodgings Work with local universities Encourage private landlords to apply for Empty Homes grants Further develop peer mentor schemes

13 Recommendations for local authorities Fund or provide match funding for a range of options for prospective tenants Promote wider use of the Rent-a-Room scheme by owner occupiers Use Discretionary Housing Payments to ease access to shared accommodation (through paying deposits etc.) Use Discretionary Housing Payments to support groups and individuals that struggle to access shared accommodation Prioritise Empty Homes grants for landlords to use to renovate their properties to shared houses

14 Wider recommendations for organisations working with young people Appraise all applicants of their realistic chances of being rehoused to concentrate minds on other options and manage expectations Offer support and financial advice to first time sharers prior to gaining tenancies - through workshops, and on-line support Housing associations should consider taking on tenant matching and tenancy management responsibilities in shared accommodation from private landlords

15 Recommendations for Government Provide additional funding for PRS access schemes to set up, trial and establish sharing schemes Promote sharing to local authorities as a viable housing option Recognise and highlight the additional resource, staffing and support capacity which is required to make schemes successful Promote existing good practice across all Government departments whose work impact on those subject to the SAR Review the Shared Accommodation Rate and consider in particular a) whether it is working adequately in all housing markets b) whether exemptions from the SAR are adequate to meet the needs of under-35s with specific housing needs

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