As councils across the UK grapple with rising homelessness and long housing registers, innovative approaches to securing accommodation are being explored. A recent initiative in Liverpool highlights how partnerships with private landlords, particularly those with HMO properties, could help address this growing challenge.
At EMPO we are closely monitoring how robust strategies might be adapted for cities like Nottingham and Leicester, where housing pressure continues to mount. Both councils are seeing rising demand for temporary accommodation and a shortage of long-term housing solutions. In Nottingham alone, over 11,000 households are currently on the waiting list.
A Changing Landscape in the Student Market
At the same time, many traditional HMO landlords, especially those catering to students, are struggling with under-occupancy due to declining student numbers and the growing supply of purpose-built student accommodation in city centres. This shift has left a number of well-maintained HMO properties vacant or underused.
Repurposing these homes to accommodate individuals and families at risk of homelessness could present a timely opportunity for both local authorities and landlords. With the right support and safeguards in place, these properties could serve as effective move on accommodation, helping to relieve pressure on temporary placements such as hotels and B&Bs.
A Collaborative Approach
In Liverpool’s model, the council partners with third-party providers who lease and manage properties on behalf of landlords, offering flexible tenancy models and targeted support to residents. This enables local authorities to fulfil their statutory housing duties without directly managing the tenancies themselves.
If adapted locally, such a model could allow Nottingham and Leicester councils to work with responsible HMO landlords to create a more sustainable housing pathway, from temporary shelter to long-term stability, while also revitalising parts of the private rented sector facing declining demand.
Looking Ahead
EMPO supports constructive dialogue between landlords and local councils to explore innovative, practical solutions to housing need.
By aligning underused private housing stock, with urgent social need, there is real potential to create win-win outcomes for landlords, councils, and residents in need of a safe place to call home.