Afghans – Council looking for private landlords
Around the world the crisis facing Afghans is heart-breaking, and councils are now looking to private landlords for support. On August 15th, 2021, the Taliban took control of Kabul leaving the country in shock and despair. Soon after, distressing images of Afghans desperately trying to flee their country were shown across the world. In the UK, the Government calls on two-thirds of local authorities yet to come forward to make firm offers of help.
Government calls on local councils for support
Councils in England, Scotland, and Wales will have access to £5m to help provide housing and support to Afghans. And many of these Afghans have worked for this country in Afghanistan, but now face threats of persecution or worse. The government has stated that councils will have access to 12 months of financial support from the Home Office. This will be to cover each individual Afghan resettled, and healthcare provisions put in place. The authority is looking for a range of homes of varying sizes, particularly larger family homes that are available for at least 12 months. These need to be self-contained houses or flats. Offers of spare rooms or house-sharing cannot be considered as part of the rehoming scheme.
Private landlords: support for Afghans
But what does this mean for private landlords in the UK? Private landlords are under no legal obligation to support Afghan refugees, however many are being urged to consider it. The single thing Afghan refugees need right now is offers of suitable accommodation and the government is urging private landlords to help. Many private UK landlords have shown support in the government’s scheme to resettle eligible families safely in the UK. However, there is always room for more private landlords or owners of second homes to come forward to help.
If you’re a landlord looking for support then contact us today to see how we can help.
