Meeting the Housing Needs of Vulnerable Homeless People

Homelessness legislation in Northern Ireland was originally designed to provide housing to homeless people in the social rented sector. However, the supply of social housing has decreased whilst its demand has increased. Consequently, there is now severe pressure on the available social rented housing in many parts of Northern Ireland.

Housing vulnerable homeless people in the private rented sector

Against the backdrop of growing demand on a limited amount of social housing stock, the private rented sector is increasingly seen as an appropriate solution for those who might previously have sought social housing, including homeless people.

As the supply of social housing comes under intense pressure in Northern Ireland, the possibilities for using the private rented sector as an alternative source of accommodation for homeless people are now being explored. The use of private rental accommodation to house chronically homeless people is controversial as there are some concerns about

• housing management quality,

• affordability,

• security of tenure and

• the suitability for homeless people with high support needs.

In a recent article published in the European Journal of Homelessness, Volume 7, No. 2, Peter O’Neill, Housing Rights Service Policy Officer, explores the results of research that examines the strengths and weaknesses of using the private rented sector to house this group of homeless people.