Propertymark has written to the government calling for action to ensure housing support matches real rents.

The trade body has contacted Baroness Sherlock – Minister of State at the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) – following her statement that local authority Crisis and Resilience Fund housing payments are available to private tenants who cannot meet their rent.

Propertymark describes the fund as a welcome safety net for people facing short-term financial difficulties; but it says that one-off crisis payments cannot replace adequate levels of Local Housing Allowance to meet ongoing rental costs.

The body says central reforms are the key, and Propertymark wants the government to:

  • restore Local Housing Allowance to at least the 30th percentile of local rents;
  • update rates every year so they keep pace with the market;
  • consider moving rates to the 50th percentile when the public finances allow.

A statement says: “Baroness Sherlock must insist the DWP publishes data on the Crisis and Resilience Fund’s housing payments to clarify the applications and repeat requests, the number of approved or refused applications, and how much is paid towards rent.

“This data will show whether emergency support is reaching people in need. It will also show how often households use the Fund to cover an ongoing gap between their rent and Local Housing Allowance (LHA).”

The body continues that LHA sets the most that many private renters can receive towards their rent through Universal Credit or Housing Benefit.

Rates vary by area, household size, and other circumstances, and are intended to help people afford homes at the cheaper end of their local market. Propertymark accepts that LHA is not meant to meet every rent in every area. But it claims that repeated freezes have pushed support further away from the real market as rents have risen.

Research published in February 2025 showed that just 2.7% of private rental listings were affordable to housing benefit recipients, down from 12% in 2021-22. When the gap increases, low-income households must find the difference from already stretched budgets.

This raises the risk of rent arrears, failed tenancies, and homelessness. Councils and temporary accommodation budgets also face greater pressure. The shortage of affordable and social housing makes this more urgent. In many areas, the PRS is the only realistic option for people on low incomes or benefits.