Deputy Mayor of London Visits Housing Justice Refugee Lodgings Project
February 19, 2025
On Friday, the Deputy Mayor of London for Housing and Residential Development, Tom Copley, paid a visit to one of Housing Justice’s Refugee Lodgings placements to see first hand how this innovative solution to homelessness is transforming lives in the capital.
During his visit, Mr. Copley met with Anna, a resident landlord who joined the Refugee Lodgings Project in March last year. Anna was eager to do her part in addressing London’s rough sleeping crisis while also making use of her spare room. Since joining the scheme, she has provided a safe and welcoming home to two refugee lodgers.
One of them is Ibrahim, originally from Syria, who was granted Refugee Status in the UK last July. Before finding a placement with Anna, he was at risk of homelessness due to the lack of available housing support for newly recognised refugees. Now, thanks to the stability of his lodging arrangement, Ibrahim is thriving as a skilled handyman and aspires to one day start his own business.
A Step Towards Ending Rough Sleeping
Speaking about the initiative, Tom Copley said:
“Everyone deserves a safe place to call home, so we are proud to be supporting Housing Justice with their innovative Refugee Lodgings Programme, which is helping to combat rough sleeping and homelessness in the capital by providing vital accommodation and support for newly recognised refugees.
“The Mayor is determined to put London on a pathway to end rough sleeping for good by 2030, as we continue working to help the most vulnerable in our society to rebuild their lives with dignity, creating a better and fairer London for all.”
A Life-Changing Programme
Ibrahim expressed his gratitude for the support he has received, saying:
“I would like to thank Housing Justice for all of the help they have given me, from helping me move on from the homeless shelter to accommodation with Anna. She is a very kind lady who has helped me with many things. I appreciate everything Housing Justice has done to give me an affordable home. Thanks, Housing Justice, for being a solution to my problems.”
Housing Justice launched the Refugee Lodgings Project in response to a staggering 234% rise in the number of refugees forced into rough sleeping after being granted leave to remain in the UK last year. This increase was driven by the previous Government’s efforts to reduce the asylum backlog, which resulted in hundreds of refugees being evicted from Home Office accommodation with little notice and nowhere to go.
The project, rolled out across London in March, provides a crucial safety net, offering newly granted refugees a stepping stone between asylum accommodation and a more permanent home. Resident landlords open up their spare rooms to refugee lodgers for six months, providing them with the stability they need to adjust to life in the UK, find employment, and secure longer-term housing. In return, resident landlords can earn a tax-free income of up to £7,500 per year. Housing Justice also supports lodgers with access to English language classes, training, and employment opportunities, as well as assistance in securing a tenancy at the end of the placement.
Encouraging More Resident Landlords to Get Involved
Anna shared her experience of being a resident landlord, saying:
“I’ve been part of the Housing Justice lodgings scheme for just over a year. What I really like about it is that Housing Justice vets you as the resident landlord, gives you good training, and manages your expectations, as well as making sure you and the refugee guest have time to meet to see if you will get on. I have had two lodgers so far, and both have worked out well. One surprise for me has been how helpful my lodgers have been in helping around the house and garden! If you have a spare room, I would highly recommend supporting Housing Justice in this way.”
By opening their homes, resident landlords like Anna are playing a vital role in tackling homelessness and offering refugees the chance to rebuild their lives in a safe and supportive environment.
If you have a spare room and would like to find out more about becoming a resident landlord, find out more here.
