Do you have:
- a spare room
- an empty property or
- an unused annexe**
which could provide a home for a person or family in need of somewhere to live in Cornwall?
There is unprecedented pressure on housing in Cornwall. We want to work with the public to make better use of existing homes and properties to help meet this need. You can find information on the ways you could help and what we can offer in return. Schemes vary and support for householders can be either financial or practical.
**Please note: Self-contained annexes may be restricted to family members via planning condition. You may need to apply for planning if you wish to use it for a long term let. You can find more information at: Removal/variation of conditions - Planning Portal. You can also email positiveplanning@cornwall.gov.uk if you have a question about a planning condition on an annexe.
Private Sector Leasing (PSL)
Cornwall Council's Private Sector Leasing scheme offers private landlords the opportunity to lease their self-contained properties for up to 5 years to provide temporary accommodation for individuals and families in housing need. The Council:
- pays rent monthly in advance in line with the Local Housing Allowance (LHA) for the area, and
- guarantees rental income even during void periods or tenant arrears.
The Council manages the property and tenancies throughout the lease, with no letting or management fees, and returns the property in good condition (excluding fair wear and tear).
For more information, please contact the Private Sector Leasing team at psl@cornwall.gov.uk
Private Letting Service
Our private letting service helps private landlords let their property smoothly and quickly. This service:
- manages over 200 properties currently
- is competitively priced for landlords
If you are a landlord with a property to let, you can find out more at:
Supportmatch Homeshare
Cornwall Council has teamed up with the Supportmatch Homeshare Service to offer this scheme. It is for householders with a spare room who would like practical support and companionship. Homesharers need affordable accommodation and will provide around 10-15 hours flexible support to the householder each week. Checks and safeguarding are key parts of the service.
Supportmatch Homeshare can improve quality of life for both householder and homesharer. Find out more about a recent match in Hayle.
Supportmatch Homeshare Cornwall
Homes for Ukraine
You can host families in your own home or another property. The minimum host time is six months. Sponsor safeguarding checks and vetting is part of this scheme. Sponsors receive £500 per household each month to host a refugee family.
If you wish to become a sponsor, you need to register first on the Government Homes for Ukraine website.
Homes for young people in Cornwall
Fostering – Foster carers can own or rent a home. All you need is to be able to provide a safe and stable home to help children between 10 and 17 thrive.
You can find out more about these schemes on the Council’s Fostering webpages:
Foster - Cornwall Council16+ Supported Lodgings - We are looking to recruit landlords who have a room or annexe to rent and want to offer support for 16-17 year olds leaving care.
More information on Supported Lodgings is available at: