Companies Looking to Rent Houses for Supported Living - What Landlords Should Know

Learn what companies looking to rent houses for supported living typically require, including property suitability, planning, lease terms, adaptations, operator checks and landlord responsibilities.

Landlords with houses in suitable locations may find opportunities to work with companies looking to rent houses for supported living.

Supported living providers can require ordinary residential properties where people receive care or support while living in their own homes. The accommodation and care arrangement are generally separate, although the exact structure depends on the provider and service model. CQC states that in supported living, people live in their own homes while receiving care or support, with the care regulated by CQC but the accommodation generally not regulated by CQC itself.

For landlords, this can create an alternative professional letting opportunity. However, a company looking for a supported living house will usually have specific requirements around location, layout, accessibility, property condition and lease arrangements.

Why Are Companies Looking to Rent Houses for Supported Living?

Supported living companies may need additional houses when expanding their services, establishing a new service or responding to demand for accommodation and support.

Supported housing can serve a wide range of people, including:

• Older people

• People with learning disabilities

• Autistic people

• People with physical disabilities

• People with mental health needs

• People leaving homelessness

• Young people with support needs

• People recovering from substance dependence

• People fleeing domestic abuse

Government guidance recognises that supported housing is diverse, with some organisations owning properties, some providing support and some doing both.

This means there is no single property specification that will suit every provider.

What Houses Do Supported Living Companies Look For?

The right property depends on the people the provider intends to support.

Operators may assess:

• Number of bedrooms

• Bedroom sizes

• Bathrooms

• Communal living space

• Kitchen facilities

• Garden

• Parking

• Accessibility

• Property condition

• Location

• Public transport

• Local amenities

• Potential for adaptations

A company may prefer a property that is already suitable for its service, while another may consider a house that requires refurbishment.

Location Matters

The location of a supported living property can affect whether it is suitable for residents and practical for staff.

Companies may look for houses close to:

• GP surgeries

• Hospitals

• Pharmacies

• Shops

• Public transport

• Parks

• Community facilities

• Employment opportunities

• Education facilities

• Other local services

The appropriate location will depend on the needs of the residents.

A provider supporting people who are expected to live independently may place particular importance on access to shops, transport and community facilities.

What Makes a House Suitable for Supported Living?

A typical house may be considered where it offers a practical combination of bedrooms, communal areas and accessibility.

Potentially useful features include:

Multiple Bedrooms

The number of bedrooms needs to match the operator's intended service and occupancy.

Communal Space

Living rooms and dining areas can provide residents with space to socialise and participate in daily activities.

Accessible Facilities

Depending on the residents, providers may look for:

• Ground-floor bedrooms

• Level access

• Accessible bathrooms

• Wider doorways

• Space for mobility equipment

• Accessible parking

• Potential for ramps or other adaptations

Outdoor Space

A garden can be valuable for residents who benefit from access to private outdoor space.

Adaptation Potential

A house does not necessarily have to be fully adapted before it is offered to a provider. Some companies may consider properties where suitable adaptations can be carried out.

Supported Living Is Not the Same as a Care Home

Landlords should understand the distinction before marketing their property.

CQC describes supported living services as arrangements where people live in their own homes and receive care or support to promote independence. The care is regulated by CQC, while the accommodation itself is not generally regulated by CQC.

CQC's location guidance also states that individual houses where people live under a supported living scheme are generally not CQC locations. The relevant CQC location may instead be the premises from which the provider organises or manages the regulated care service.

Therefore, landlords should avoid assuming that a house becomes a "CQC property" simply because a supported living provider rents it.

Do Supported Living Companies Need CQC Registration?

The answer depends on the services being provided.

Where a provider carries out CQC-regulated activities, it needs the appropriate registration. CQC has specific registration guidance and supporting-document requirements for supported living services.

Landlords should ask prospective operators:

• What care or support will be provided?

• Is personal care being delivered?

• Is the service CQC regulated?

• Does the company already have relevant registration?

• From where will the regulated service be managed?

• Who will be responsible for residents' accommodation?

These questions help distinguish the property's housing arrangement from the provider's regulated care activities.

Check the Planning Position

A landlord should not assume that every supported living arrangement can operate from an ordinary residential house without further planning consideration.

The proposed use, number of occupants, level of support, property layout and existing lawful use can all be relevant.

Before agreeing a long-term lease, consider:

• Existing planning use

• Planning history

• Planning conditions

• Article 4 directions where relevant

• Proposed occupancy

• Required alterations

• Building regulations

• Fire safety

• Local authority requirements

Where there is uncertainty, obtain professional planning advice before committing to substantial works.

What Lease Terms Do Supported Living Companies Want?

A supported living provider may seek a longer lease because establishing a service can involve investment in staffing, adaptations, equipment and property preparation.

A proposed lease may address:

• Lease length

• Rent

• Rent reviews

• Deposit

• Guarantor

• Break clauses

• Permitted use

• Repairs

• Maintenance

• Insurance

• Alterations

• Adaptations

• Assignment

• Subletting

• Resident occupation

• Reinstatement

The lease should clearly explain how the property can be used and who is responsible for each aspect of its operation.

A solicitor with relevant property experience should review the agreement before completion.

Who Pays for Adaptations?

Supported living houses can require adaptations depending on the needs of the residents.

Potential works include:

• Accessible bathrooms

• Wet rooms

• Ramps

• Grab rails

• Door alterations

• Improved lighting

• Fire safety improvements

• Kitchen modifications

• Security improvements

The landlord and provider should agree who pays for these works before the lease is signed.

If the landlord funds the improvements, the cost should be considered when assessing the proposed rent.

If the provider carries out the work, the lease should establish what alterations are permitted and what happens to them when the lease ends.

Property Condition and Safety

A supported living property needs to provide safe, suitable accommodation.

Government guidance recommends that supported housing accommodation should be safe, well maintained and suitable for residents' needs. It also identifies areas such as fire safety, gas safety, electrical safety, accessibility and housing hazards that landlords and providers need to address.

Before approaching providers, review:

• Gas safety

• Electrical installation

• Smoke alarms

• Carbon monoxide alarms

• Fire safety

• Heating

• Plumbing

• Roof

• Windows

• Locks

• Bathrooms

• Kitchen

• General repairs

• EPC

The precise requirements will depend on the property and proposed arrangement.

How to Check a Supported Living Company

A company expressing interest in your property should still be subject to appropriate due diligence.

Consider checking:

• Companies House records

• Trading history

• Financial position

• Existing properties

• Landlord references

• Insurance

• Management structure

• Relevant CQC registration

• CQC inspection information where applicable

• Proposed service

• Funding arrangements

CQC registration can help establish the provider's regulatory position where regulated activities are involved, but it should not replace checks on the company's financial strength or ability to meet its contractual obligations.

What Should You Ask a Supported Living Company?

Before agreeing to rent your house, ask:

1. Who will live in the property?

2. How many residents are expected?

3. What type of support will they receive?

4. Will staff be present overnight?

5. Will residents have individual accommodation agreements?

6. Is the service CQC regulated?

7. Does the company have the relevant registration?

8. What planning position does the company require?

9. What adaptations are needed?

10. Who will pay for the adaptations?

11. How long does the company want the property?

12. What rent can it offer?

13. Who will handle repairs?

14. Will the company sublet or grant occupation rights to residents?

15. What happens if the service closes?

The answers can help establish whether the operator is a good fit for the property and proposed lease.

How Much Rent Can a Supported Living Company Pay?

There is no standard rent for supported living houses.

The proposed rent can depend on:

• Location

• Property size

• Number of bedrooms

• Condition

• Accessibility

• Lease length

• Adaptation requirements

• Local demand

• Operator finances

• Service model

Landlords should consider the whole financial arrangement rather than focusing only on the monthly rent.

For example, a higher rent may not necessarily be more attractive if the landlord is expected to fund extensive refurbishment or accept substantial maintenance obligations.

Understand the Provider's Funding Model

Supported living can involve different funding arrangements.

Government guidance recognises that supported housing can involve housing costs and service charges, and that local authorities can assess whether housing costs are reasonable. It also stresses the importance of transparent and reasonable rents and eligible service charges.

Landlords should therefore ask the provider how the proposed rent will be funded.

Do not assume that Housing Benefit, local authority funding or another public funding arrangement automatically guarantees payment of the landlord's rent.

The company signing the lease should be assessed on its own contractual and financial position.

Prepare a Property Information Pack

If you want to attract companies looking to rent houses for supported living, make it easy for operators to assess the property.

Your property pack could include:

• Full address

• Number of bedrooms

• Floor plan

• Room measurements

• Photographs

• Number of bathrooms

• Kitchen details

• Garden information

• Parking

• Accessibility features

• EPC

• Planning information

• Property condition

• Recent refurbishment

• Available certificates

• Availability date

• Proposed rent

• Lease expectations

This allows providers to quickly determine whether the house matches their requirements.

Should You Offer a Long Lease?

Some supported living companies may prefer longer leases because setting up a service can involve considerable investment.

A longer lease may provide greater certainty for both parties, but landlords should carefully review the terms.

Consider:

• Rent review provisions

• Break clauses

• Deposit

• Guarantor

• Assignment rights

• Repair obligations

• Insurance

• Adaptation responsibilities

• Reinstatement

• Exit arrangements

The financial strength of the tenant is particularly important when agreeing a long-term arrangement.

How Fraser Bond Can Help Landlords

If you own a house and are searching for companies looking to rent houses for supported living, Fraser Bond can support the wider property process.

Depending on the project, Fraser Bond can assist with:

• Property sourcing

• Landlord advisory

• Property acquisition

• Lettings

• Property management

• Investment advisory

• Development consultancy

• Refurbishment planning

• Building works

• Contractor coordination

• Repairs

• Maintenance

• Compliance support

Fraser Bond can also help landlords assess whether refurbishment or property improvements could make a house more suitable for professional supported living operators.

Specialist legal, planning, tax and regulatory advice should be obtained where required.

How to Prepare Your House for a Supported Living Company

A practical process can help you present the property effectively.

1. Assess the Property

Review the house's location, condition, layout, bedrooms, communal space and accessibility.

2. Check the Existing Use

Review planning information and identify any potential issues with the proposed supported living arrangement.

3. Identify Suitable Companies

Target providers whose service model matches the property's characteristics.

4. Prepare the Property Pack

Provide photographs, floor plans, measurements and relevant documentation.

5. Identify Required Works

Obtain realistic quotations for refurbishment or adaptations that may be required.

6. Discuss the Proposed Service

Understand who will live in the property and how the company intends to provide support.

7. Negotiate the Lease

Agree rent, lease length, repairs, insurance, alterations and other responsibilities.

8. Carry Out Due Diligence

Review the provider's financial position, experience and relevant regulatory status.

9. Obtain Professional Advice

Have the lease and any planning or regulatory questions reviewed before signing.

Companies Looking to Rent Houses for Supported Living - What Landlords Should Know

If you own a suitable house, working with a supported living company can provide an alternative professional letting arrangement.

However, the opportunity should be assessed beyond the proposed rent.

The landlord needs to understand the intended use, the residents who will occupy the property, the provider's responsibilities, the planning position, the lease structure and the property's maintenance requirements.

A well-prepared property can make it easier for operators to assess the opportunity, while careful due diligence can help landlords understand the company they are entering into a contractual relationship with.

Find Companies Looking to Rent Houses for Supported Living With Fraser Bond

If you own a house, bungalow or other residential property that could potentially suit a supported living service, Fraser Bond can support the wider property requirements involved in preparing and letting the property.

From lettings and property management to refurbishment, building works, maintenance and development consultancy, Fraser Bond can assist landlords with the practical side of preparing properties for professional operators.

If you are searching for companies looking to rent houses for supported living, speak with Fraser Bond about your property, its current condition and the type of supporte