Accessing accommodation in the private rented sector

Top tips for engaging with landlords

Thanks to Bridges Outcomes Partnerships for providing these tips.

Step 1: be prepared

• Research – Can you find information about the landlord which could benefit the call in anyway? Has your service ever had any previous discussion with them?
• Always call the landlord rather than emailing - a landlord is more likely to be responsive to a phone call as you can explain your service in more detail.
• Is this a good time to speak? – Before jumping into details about the service, it’s best to ensure the person you are speaking to is free and able to have the conversation.
• Have you heard of the service before? – This quick question could change the direction of your conversation – also hints that the service is one that landlords should know about.

Step 2: the hook

• Explain your service – be prepared with the list of key benefits of your service; think about objections you may face and how to respond to them. Be confident in the service.
• How are you different and what are the benefits?
• What can you do to meet the landlords needs? - find a balance between putting the landlord’s needs at the core of your pitch and your mission of preventing homelessness
• The Hook is a brief overview of the service and an opportunity to address the benefits and comments which could lessen any immediate negative reaction from a landlord who has concerns about renting to individuals who may be on benefits – E.g. low-risk clients, work with hundreds of landlords, etc.

Step 3: questions and info gathering

• Are you a single property landlord or do you have a portfolio of properties?
• Where are your properties located?
• Bedrooms (if shared), size of units, what facilities & furniture?
• When is the property available?
• Could you tell me a little more about your priorities and what’s important to you when it comes to renting your property?
• Do you have any intentions of growing your property portfolio in the future?
• Could you refer me to any other landlords that have a property to rent?
• Are you part of any landlord WhatsApp groups or other groups that you can send a message to?

Step 4: key benefits and offerings

• Use the information you have gathered through asking questions and focus on the key benefits which are relevant to what that landlord needs. For example:
  • What support your service provides – rent/deposit, move-in support, paying for white goods/furniture
  • Direct contact for arranging quick viewings
  • Social value of helping those who would otherwise be homeless

Step 5: wrap it up

• Next steps: lay out the next steps with regards to moving forward with the process and follow this up with an email. Pencil in a suitable viewing time, send a calendar invite once it’s been agreed.
• Meeting in person: consider arranging a face-to-face coffee to discuss the service further and build report
• Information exchange: tell the landlord you will send them over some information and offer them a chance to ask questions
• Once you have established relationships with landlords, it is crucial to have regular and transparent communication with them, ensuring you can deliver on what you say and there are never any hidden surprises.

Top tips for supporting someone to manage and sustain a tenancy

• Explain the tenancy agreement and type of tenure
• Ensure the individual understands their rights and responsibilities as a tenant, and those of the landlord
• Explain types of notice and what they need to do should they receive one
• Support with setting up utilities and other household bills: manage these online if possible
• Explain how to report repairs and maintenance issues
• Initiate good, honest and open communication between the landlord and tenant
• Keep benefits up to date, with regular communication with the DWP
• Support the individual to access local services e.g., GP, mental health services, probation, substance use, community groups/libraries etc.
• Consider arranging mentoring support from someone with lived experience of homelessness: they can provide regular contact and support to maintain tenancies and integrate individuals into their local community.

The below downloadable document has been created by Hope Worldwide which can be given to individuals to read before they sign a tenancy. It contains key information about the responsibilities of the landlord and tenant, useful contacts, along with a checklist to use when viewing properties.

A PRS Guide, created by Pathfinder (Bridges Outcomes Partnerships homelessness prevention programme) can also be downloaded below. This useful resource is aimed at young people, and covers everything from how to find a property, to setting up bills.

We also have a podcast episode on accessing the private rented sector (Series 5, Episode 3). Listen here.