Can the Private Rented Sector help end homelessness?

The rising cost of living and deepening housing crisis are making it harder than ever to end homelessness.  

With social housing in short supply, the Private Rented Sector (PRS) offers more choice and immediate housing options. However, barriers such as unaffordable rents, high upfront costs, and landlord reluctance often exclude those most in need.  

The TDS Charitable Foundation believes that, with the right support, the PRS can play a key role in tackling homelessness. Our three-year partnership with Crisis is a powerful demonstration of how this can work. 

In the first year alone, TDS funding has helped nearly 160 Crisis members to secure homes through private rented tenancies. Beyond this, we’re pushing for system change to make renting fairer and more accessible for all. 

Landlord relationship building and access

A cornerstone of success is the work of Housing Access Specialists, who build trusted relationships with private landlords and help Crisis members find secure homes.  

These local experts dispel misconceptions about renting to people with experience of homelessness and support landlords on legislation and the benefits system. 

They also offer tailored support and incentives (such as free NRLA membership and rent guarantee insurance) and ensure tenancies are set up for success. 

Supporting tenancy sustainment

Securing a tenancy on its own isn’t enough – sustaining it matters. That’s why each Crisis member works with a dedicated caseworker who helps them develop practical skills in budgeting, understanding tenancy agreements, and maintaining positive landlord relationships.  

These specialists help prevent and resolve issues before they escalate. They provide hands-on guidance to support independent living and long-term stability. By promoting confidence and self-sufficiency, they give tenants the best possible chance to rebuild their lives. 

"I was given the chance, and I took that chance. And it's paid off." After leaving prison, Chris came to Crisis for support and a fresh start

Evidence and system change 

Helping 160 people into stable homes is a major milestone but it won’t solve homelessness in the longer term.  

That’s why TDS and Crisis are sharing everything we learn from our partnership – using data and evidence to influence system and policy change.  

For example, an Innovation Fund is testing rent guarantee products for Crisis members – collecting data on default rates to boost landlord confidence or identify where further support is needed.       

Together, TDS and Crisis are also advocating for policies such as rent data collection in the new PRS Database and the unfreezing of housing benefit. Our efforts are directly informing Ministers who have the power to make impactful policy changes. 

Why should landlords work with Crisis? 

Renting to someone with experience of homelessness is both rewarding and practical. Research by the TDS Charitable Foundation shows that 71% of landlords who rent to local authority placements (such as homeless households) report satisfaction in their role – compared with 56% of all landlords.  

Tenants in receipt of benefits are also 10% more likely to stay in their homes for three years or more compared to the average for all tenants, offering landlords stable, long-term occupancy. 

By working with Crisis, landlords gain access to suitable, supported tenants who care for their homes – while playing a vital part in ending homelessness. 

Find out more here.