We are required to secure suitable accommodation for applicants who are homeless, eligible for assistance, in priority need and not intentionally homeless, and this duty ordinarily comes to an end following the offer of suitable social housing (affordable housing let through housing associations.)
The Localism Act 2011 amended Section 193 of the Housing Act 1996 provides a power to local authorities to discharge the housing duty by way of a ‘private rented sector offer’. This offer must include an assured shorthold tenancy for a minimum 12 month period, and we must be satisfied that the accommodation is suitable for the household.
The private rented sector offer must be made in writing, and must inform the applicant of the consequences of refusing or accepting the offer and of the right to request a review of the suitability of the accommodation offered.
Where we end our housing duty through a private rented sector offer and the household becomes unintentionally homeless within two years of accepting the offer, we are obliged to accept the applicant as being homeless regardless of any priority need.
This policy details the circumstances in which we intend to exercise our power to end its duties as set out in the Housing Act 19961 through an offer of private rented accommodation rather than social housing.
View the Discharging the Council's Homelessness Duty into the Private Rented Sector Policy