Access to low-cost private rented housing across England has become nearly impossible for ‘bottom of the market’ people living in homelessness accommodation and services, according to new research.

No Access, No Way Out – a report for social justice charity Commonweal Housing – finds that with no route to private rented homes and systemic barriers to work, homeless but stable individuals are stuck in limbo because they can’t afford to leave their costly transitional support services.

It also details mass viewings, a lack of decent basic facilities and illegal landlord practices leaving vulnerable individuals traumatised.

A 2022 survey by the homelessness membership charity Homeless Link showed that more than 40% of people living in services were ready but unable to move on from their current provision.

Since then, new tenancy prices have risen by nearly a fifth, meaning that this figure is likely even higher.

It is compounded by the fact that when people start working, their housing benefit is reduced, so clients of homelessness services must often stay on Universal Credit as they can’t access a high enough income to cover their rent.

Hovels

Available PRS accommodation was described by some respondents as ‘hovels’, which were cramped and lacking in basic amenities, while some reported concerns about racial profiling and discrimination, including landlords asking for tenants with fluent English and expecting those on disability benefits to pay a higher level of rent.

The report calls for the new Renters’ Rights Bill to be robust enough to increase the rights of those who are accessing the cheapest end of the market.

Ashley Horsey (pictured), chief executive at Commonweal Housing, says that while much has been said about the private rental market, particularly from the perspective of Generation Rent, next-to-nothing is being said or done for those who cannot rent.

He adds: “We now call on colleagues in the sector and across policy to bring forward a coordinated and cross-departmental set of measures to ensure that everyone can access work, and a safe, secure and affordable home".

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