Mansfield Private Rental Access Scheme Extended Until March 2027

Mansfield District Council has extended its Private Rental Access Scheme until 31 March 2027, giving more people facing homelessness or living in temporary accommodation a route into private rented housing. (Mansfield District Council)

The scheme is designed to help people who may be able to afford an ongoing private tenancy but struggle with the large upfront costs normally required to secure a home.

What support does the scheme provide?

The Council can support eligible households by funding:

• a rental deposit;

• the first rent payment in advance; and

• access to an insurance-backed rent guarantor service, providing additional reassurance to participating landlords. (Mansfield District Council)

Properties used through the scheme are also checked by the Council to make sure they are safe, secure and suitable. Tenants are contacted during the first six months of the tenancy to help support a successful move into private renting. (Mansfield District Council)

Who is the scheme aimed at?

The Private Rental Access Scheme supports people who are registered with Mansfield District Council as homeless and are living in temporary accommodation.

It can provide an alternative route for households who may otherwise remain in temporary accommodation while waiting for social housing. (Mansfield District Council)

What has the scheme achieved?

According to Mansfield District Council, during its first year the scheme helped 80 people, including 49 children, move away from homelessness or temporary accommodation and into privately rented homes.

It also helped two people move from supported housing into independent accommodation. (Mansfield District Council)

The Council says 34 private landlords and letting agents have already participated in the scheme. (Mansfield District Council)

Why has it been extended?

The Council has agreed to continue the scheme until 31 March 2027, supported by a further £150,000 from the government-funded Homelessness and Prevention Grant. (Mansfield District Council)

The extension comes at a time when demand for housing remains significant and social housing availability continues to be limited.

For some households, the biggest barrier to private renting is not necessarily the monthly rent itself, but finding enough money at once for a deposit, rent in advance and a guarantor.

The scheme is intended to help overcome those initial barriers.

Is it suitable for everyone?

No.

The Council has previously made clear that the scheme is not intended to replace social housing and will not be suitable for every household experiencing homelessness. (Mansfield District Council)

A private rented property must still be appropriate and affordable for the household concerned.

Residents should therefore discuss their individual circumstances with Mansfield District Council rather than assume that participation is automatic.

Why this matters

Temporary accommodation can be extremely disruptive, particularly for families with children.

Giving people another possible route into secure accommodation can help reduce the amount of time they spend in temporary housing while also easing pressure on Mansfield's limited social housing stock.

For residents experiencing homelessness or currently living in temporary accommodation, the Private Rental Access Scheme may therefore be worth asking the Council about.

Dignity Alliance welcomes practical schemes that give residents additional housing options, particularly where they help remove financial barriers that would otherwise prevent someone from securing a suitable home.

Scheme extended until: 31 March 2027

Dignity Alliance is a community-led support group and does not provide legal or financial advice. We aim to help residents understand available services, organise their concerns and identify appropriate next steps.