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Housing service for learning disabilities

Wednesday, December 02, 2009

Source: Catherine Deshayes

A new housing service for people with learning disabilities has been launched in London - Southwest London Homefinders has been set up by Golden Lane Housing (GLH) and six authorities to give people with a learning disability access to the private rented sector...

The service works by matching prospective tenants with ethical landlords and offering support and advice to both parties, on an ongoing basis.

GLH project manager, Brian Shortall, comments: "Initially some landlords can be reticent to offer a tenancy to someone with a learning disability, as they are wary of tenants who rely on state benefits."

He adds: "We know from our own experience that if people with a learning disability get the right house and the right support, they are ideal tenants - paying their rent on time and looking after the place like their own home."

The project is part-funded by the Department for Communities and Local Government and is expected to become self-financing in 2011.

In related news, Landlord Assist recently reported that proposed new legislation from the EU could require the conversion of rental properties for tenants with disabilities, regardless of whether properties are let to such tenants.

According to the arrears and eviction specialist, the European Commission is considering an equal treatment directive which would oblige landlords to make "reasonable adjustments" to allow people with disabilities to occupy their accommodation.