The Lambeth Refugee Resettlement Programme provides safe homes for families to settle in the UK.
We work with landlords and estate agents to find suitable homes for refugees and provide dedicated support to both the family and landlord to make the tenancy a success.
The scheme has been running since 2016 and by March 2022 has provided sanctuary for 33 families fleeing conflict in Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Sudan.
How the scheme works
We ask landlords to commit to a 12 month (preferably longer) tenancy which will provide families with a stable start to their new life in Lambeth. The format of tenancy agreements will be discussed before the families arrive and signed on the day of their arrival.
You will be paid rent up to the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) rates. You can search and see LHA rates by postcode.
A housing officer will assess the property for safety and suitability before a tenancy agreement is signed with a family.
We will make sure that the property is furnished before a family arrives and caseworkers will help the family with their set up.
If a family has medical needs or mobility issues, we may ask landlords for permission to carry out minor adaptations (such as handrails). If adaptations are made, we will cover the cost to reverse the adaptations. This will be discussed in detail before a tenancy agreement is signed.
Once a suitable property is identified and an agreement is reached, it usually takes on average 6 to 8 weeks before a family arrives in Lambeth. This is so the Home Office and the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) can carry out checks, coordinate visas, source flights and so on. Lambeth Council will pay any void costs for this period.
Benefits of joining the scheme
The benefits of working with us include:
- peace of mind knowing your property is being used to welcome people who had to flee their home
- tenancy sign-up and agreement
- no fees for tenant matching or tenancy documentation
- incentive and void cost payment
Dedicated casework support for families
We support refugees to be independent and provide a service that helps them to:
- pay their rent on time
- maintain their tenancy
- know their responsibilities as a tenant
Specialist case workers from our commissioned service provider will work closely with families and help to resolve any housing issues such as utilities, repairs and waste services.
Officers at Lambeth Council will also oversee the support and answer any questions landlords might have.
Legal leave to remain in the UK
Refugees resettled through this programme will be granted leave to remain with the right to work, access benefits and other services.
The resettlement schemes Lambeth Council participates in are part of national programmes which are fully funded by the Home Office.
Contact us
If you think you might be able to help in in providing a home to a family in need, please email us at refugeeresettlement@lambeth.gov.uk