1. Introduction
The good practice in this resource pack is based on research undertaken by Craigforth during the summer of 2008. In summary, the research comprised of:
- A desk based review of literature relating to engagement between local authorities and the private rented sector;
- Telephone interviews with a selection of local authorities, representative bodies and landlords from across the UK; and
- Case study fieldwork which included background review of documentation and semi-structured interviews.
The information in this document draws on all of these sources and is designed to help local authorities:
- Identify the key issues for the housing market in their area;
- Assess the role the private rented sector can play in helping address these;
- Consider a range of ways of working with private sector landlords;
- Learn from practice examples about how to make these methods work most effectively;
- Understand the various options which can be considered to increase the number of private rented sector properties available to homeless households (including those which can be used to provide settled housing solutions);
- Evaluate the methods of working with landlords which would be most suitable for their local context.