Why LGBTQ+ youth homelessness matters to property

LGBTQ+ young people are twice as likely to experience homelessness. And for too many, the private rental system only makes things harder, with no guarantors, no deposit support, and few safe, inclusive options.

The property industry has the power to change that.

04/02/2026

As part of our 40 Stories of Impact Series we’re spotlighting our work with the UK’s leading LGBTQ+ youth homelessness charity, akt

In this blog, we’ll explore how letting agents, landlords and developers can take action and how LandAid funding is already making a difference through our long-standing support for akt.

We’ll also share:

Practical steps that the property sector can take to open doors for young LGBTQ+ people.
The real impact of LandAid-funded casework and support packs for akt
Sarah’s story: How our grants took them from crisis to safe, stable housing

Because this isn’t just a youth crisis. It’s a housing one. And it needs all of us.

What LandAid’s funding has made possible

Last year, akt received two LandAid grants totalling £24,417.

£ 10,917

for LGBTQ+-inclusive casework in London
£ 13,500

to support youth services in Manchester

Thanks to these LandAid grants:

145 young people were supported through active casework
89 flexible support packs were delivered in London
54 young people took part in Manchester-based youth engagement sessions
18 support packs helped young people turn temporary housing into stable homes

Support packs funded by LandAid can include essentials like emergency hotel accommodation, gender-affirming work clothing for interviews, or basic furnishings for a first flat. These aren’t ‘nice to haves’ – they are often the difference between short-term survival and long-term safety.

“This is the first time I’ve had a home that is safe”

Sarah had been homeless for 12 months following domestic abuse. By the time she came to akt, she was stuck in temporary housing, struggling with rent arrears and negative landlord references – many of which failed to recognise the impact of her past abuse.

Thanks to akt’s expert support, and crucially, the LandAid-funded Rainbow Starter Pack , Sarah’s story changed.

LandAid’s funding enabled:

Advocacy with housing providers, helping Sarah overcome damaging references
Financial support to clear rent arrears via a Discretionary Housing Payment
A safe route to LGBTQ+-specific domestic abuse services through GALOP
A flexible support pack that covered essentials and first month’s rent

Now, Sarah is in her own flat. She’s building a new life and working towards her dream of becoming a tattoo artist.

Why specialist support matters

akt’s support is person-led, trauma-informed, and long-term. akt caseworkers are often the first people LGBTQ+ young people speak to who understand the role identity plays in housing vulnerability.

Their model is built around the needs and goals of each young person. There are no arbitrary time limits. Just clear, co-created plans that support young people until they are safe, stable, and confident to move forward.

And it’s needed now more than ever.

The current political and social climate has grown increasingly hostile towards LGBTQ+ communities, particularly trans and non-binary young people. Many now fear even leaving the house. Others are denied help from housing services unsure how to apply the Equality Act. In response, akt has seen a rise in mental health crises, including suicide risk. They’ve now developed a bespoke framework to support frontline staff to respond with confidence and care.

“akt is the only charity focused on providing targeted support or LGBTQ+ young people at risk of homelessness. LandAid’s support means more LGBTQ+ young people can speak to experts on housing who understand how their unique risk factors inform their circumstances, and help them transition into long-term accommodation.”

Adam Pemberton Wickham, CEO of akt.

How you, the property sector, can help

This isn’t just about funding. It’s about systemic barriers – and where the industry can step in.

LGBTQ+ young people face unique challenges; no access to guarantors or family support, landlords rejecting third-party payments from charities, discrimination from agents or peers in shared housing, fear of disclosure when completing housing applications.

5 key actions for the sector

- Prioritising inclusion in social value planning: Section 106 and other social value contributions shouldn’t be generic by default. LGBTQ+ young people are at significantly higher risk of homelessness, and developers can lead by explicitly prioritising support for high-risk groups, either through ringfenced funding or partnerships with specialist organisations like akt.
- Accepting third-party and charity-funded payments: Landlords working with akt often withdraw once they see the charity’s name. Others won’t accept support pack payments. This alone can derail a young person’s route to housing.

- Offering deposit-free or alternative guarantor options: Without family support, many young people must rely on costly private guarantor schemes – pushing them further into financial instability.

- Creating inclusive landlord schemes: Letting agents can create pathways to inclusive, safe housing for LGBTQ+ youth – working with trusted partners like akt to bridge the gap between supported housing and private tenancies.

- Building trust through better data: Many LGBTQ+ young people fear sharing personal details. Inclusive, thoughtful data collection – combined with trained and trusted staff – helps build trust and ensures services reflect the people they’re here to serve.

“If young people don’t feel comfortable, they won’t open up.” – Hayley Speed, Director of Services, akt

A reminder of why this work matters

In January, akt’s CEO, Adam Pemberton, and one of their service users joined us at our thanking event. The evening to recognised the organisations and individuals across the property industry who make our work possible.

It was a celebration of collective commitment. Of funders, partners and supporters who use their influence, energy and networks to create something bigger than any one organisation could do alone.

One of the most powerful moments of the night came from Avis, a young person supported by akt. Their story, honest, brave and full of hope re,minded everyone in the room that this work is about far more than numbers. It’s about lives changed. Futures reclaimed. Homes made safe.

It was a powerful reminder that when our sector steps up, change happens. And there’s always space for more of our industry to join us.

The property sector is uniquely positioned to shift outcomes, not just for hundreds, but for thousands of young people.

LandAid’s support for akt shows what’s possible when we back the organisations with the expertise, networks, and lived experience to deliver real change.

Together, we can make sure that no young person has to choose between being who they are and having somewhere safe to live.

This LGBTQ+ History Month, and every month, let’s build the housing sector young people deserve.

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In conversation with: akt – the national LGBTQ+ youth homelessness charity

A disproportionate number of young LGBTQ+ people are facing homelessness due to a multitude of issues ranging from homophobia, transphobia, shame and stigma within our society. As pride month reaches a close, we spoke to our charity partner, akt, to explore how we can work together to improve access to housing services in the face of these problems.