What are Refugee Lodgings?
The new Refugee Lodgings Project provides a safety net for new refugees to help prevent homelessness and rough sleeping.
WHY DOES THE PROJECT EXIST?
This project has been developed in response to the rise in new refugees ending up street homeless once they have to leave their Home Office accommodation. Refugees face a unique and often overwhelming set of challenges when trying to secure a safe, stable place to live. Our programme was created in response to the growing gap between what people need when they receive refugee status and what current housing systems can offer. 1. A Sudden End to Home Office Accommodation Once someone is granted refugee status, the accommodation provided during the asylum process ends, currently 28 days. Although some support exists, it is not enough to help people understand the UK’s complex housing system or navigate their new rights and responsibilities as tenants. 2. Limited Access to Local Authority Support Local councils have a duty to assist people who are homeless, but many newly recognised refugees do not meet the requirements for “priority need” or “local connection.” Because people seeking asylum are often moved around the country with no control over where they live, these criteria can leave them with very few options for council support. 3. Barriers in the Private Rented Sector For many refugees, renting privately is the only route available—but significant obstacles make this extremely difficult: Financial barriers: Most people leave the asylum system with very limited income or savings. Deposits, rent in advance, and guarantor requirements are often impossible to meet. Documentation challenges: Landlords routinely ask for payslips, bank statements or rental histories that refugees simply do not have yet. Affordability: High rents make private accommodation out of reach for people who are still looking for work or just beginning to build financial stability. Discrimination: Misunderstandings about refugees’ rights, “right to rent” checks, or the use of benefits can lead landlords to refuse applications. 4. Additional Pressures Even when support is available, it often falls short: Universal Credit delays: While newly recognised refugees can claim Universal Credit, payments can take weeks to arrive—leaving people without money for rent. Shortage of charitable housing: A few charities offer accommodation, but demand is far higher than what is available. Inconsistent rent-guarantee schemes: Some areas offer deposit or guarantor schemes, but coverage is patchy and not all landlords accept them. Reduced confidence and skills: After long periods in temporary accommodation without the right to work, many people feel disempowered and unprepared to manage a tenancy independently.
HOW SAFE IS THE PROJECT?
We take steps at every stage of the process to ensure that lodgings placements for our landlords, lodgers and referrers. The Referral Process We understand that you may feel apprehensive taking an unknown person into your home. That is why we only take referrals from certain referral agencies, and undertake our own full assessment including a risk assessment. We will only place someone who we feel is suitable for lodgings. We will not accommodate anyone with a history of violent or abusive behaviour, severe mental health issues or substance misuse. Landlord Screening We screen all landlord applications, including an introductory phone call, and a meeting in their home. We also ask for landlords to provide two references from people who can comment on their suitability as a resident landlord. We will help each landlord think about rent arrangements, house rules and what to do if any issues arise. We reserve the right to de-register landlords at any time during the screening process.
WHAT SUPPORT IS AVAILABLE?
Support for Landlords GTM staff will be available to support landlords through their journey. Before a placement begins we will support you to: - Know your rights and provide a landlord check-list - Create a Lodger Agreement and calculate your monthly rent at the LHA for your area - Ensure your home is health and safety compliant - Make the room ready to welcome a lodger Ongoing Support for Resident Landlords A member of the GTM team will take your through the Landlord Induction Programme and provide resources to prepare you for welcoming a refugee into your home. We understand that there is more to having a lodger stay in your house than just the practical arrangements. We will check in with you regularly, support you to resolve any issues that arise, help you to end the lodger agreement at the allocated time in a safe and supported way. Support for Lodgers A member of the GTM team will: - Help them to understand their rights as a lodger - Ensure they receive enough income to cover the rent (whether through Universal Credit or employment) - Facilitate access to English classes, education and training. - Check in regularly and provide support to resolve any issues that might arise - Offer support to help prepare them for tenancy in the Private Rented Sector - Create a sustainable move-on plan once the six month agreement had ended - Connect them with other refugee support services.