Modern slavery and housing: rights and support for victims

Victims of modern slavery, including trafficking, forced labour, and domestic servitude, often face unsafe housing conditions or homelessness as a direct result of their exploitation. Below, we set out what housing support may be available and what rights victims have.

What is modern slavery?

Modern slavery covers a range of serious crimes including:

• Trafficking, recruiting, transporting, or harbouring someone through force, fraud, or coercion for exploitation
• Forced labour, making someone work through threats, violence, or other coercion
• Domestic servitude, exploiting someone in a household context, often involving severe restriction of movement and no pay or very low pay
• Sexual exploitation
• Child labour and exploitation

Victims of modern slavery may have been housed by their exploiters in poor conditions, may have no tenancy rights, or may have been left homeless when they escaped or were rescued.

National Referral Mechanism (NRM)

The National Referral Mechanism is the UK's system for identifying, supporting, and referring victims of modern slavery. If you are a victim of modern slavery, a first responder (such as a social worker, police officer, housing officer, or charity worker) can refer you to the NRM. The Home Office makes a decision on whether you are a victim.

If a positive conclusive grounds decision is made, you may be eligible for:

• Safe house accommodation through the Modern Slavery Victim Care Contract, managed by the Salvation Army and partner organisations
• Financial support during your recovery period
• Legal advice and support
• Access to NHS treatment

You can also self-refer in some circumstances. Contact the Modern Slavery Helpline (0800 0121 700) for guidance.

Housing options after leaving exploitation

After the immediate support period, housing options depend on your circumstances:

Homelessness application: If you are a victim of modern slavery and have no housing, you may be able to apply to the council as homeless. Your immigration status and whether you have a local connection will affect your eligibility. Some victims of trafficking have leave to remain in the UK as a result of their NRM decision, which may affect their eligibility for support.

Social housing: If you are eligible and have priority need (for example, because of the trauma and vulnerabilities arising from your exploitation), the council may be able to assist with social housing.

Specialist housing for trafficking victims: Some areas have specialist accommodation for victims of trafficking provided by charities. Local support organisations and the Salvation Army (through the victim care contract) can advise on what is available.

Safeguarding and confidentiality

If you are being supported by housing professionals or social workers, your safety and confidentiality must be protected. Information should not be shared in a way that could put you at risk of being located by your exploiters.

If you are housed in rented accommodation, you have the same rights as any other tenant to protection from harassment and illegal eviction, and to a home that is safe and in good repair.

When should I contact Support for Tenants?

We handle housing disrepair claims. If you are a victim of modern slavery and are now living in rented accommodation that is in disrepair, your landlord's duties to repair and maintain the property apply in the same way as for any other tenant. Call us.

Call us on 0800 030 4669. No upfront cost. You only pay if you win, and the fee comes out of the compensation, not your pocket. If you don't win, you pay nothing.

Sources

• Modern Slavery Act 2015 (legislation.gov.uk)

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