22/04/2026
It was a pleasure to welcome Sarah D**e MP MP to Homefirst Plus recently to discuss the upcoming changes in legislation the Renters Rights act which comes into effect on May 1 2026 and how it the changes will affect both Somerset Tenants and Landlords alike.
Over 2,000 homes sitting empty in Somerset, while so many people are struggling to find somewhere stable to live — it just doesn’t add up.
Organisations like HomeFirst Plus are doing great work helping bring those empty properties back into use whilst supporting people who really need it. It’s the kind of practical, common-sense approach we need more of.
There’s clearly a lot changing in housing at the moment, and it’s important we get that balance right so organisations like this can keep doing what they do best.
Somerset has over 2,000 vacant homes – yet many of our most vulnerable residents still struggle to access stable housing. Based in Queen Camel, HomeFirst Plus provide a crucial support service, working with owners of empty properties across Somerset and Dorset to provide homes for families in need.
The organisation works alongside Somerset Council to offer housing to vulnerable adults at reduced rents, while fully managing and maintaining properties to protect landlords from unexpected costs.
Yet when Renters’ Rights Act comes into force in May, HomeFirst Plus will be unable to return properties to landlords with vacant possession. This will force them to issue tenants with eviction notices – many of whom have no alternative housing prospects.
I am calling on the Government to introduce an exemption for ‘Rent to Rent’ organisations like HomeFirst Plus, ensuring they can continue to put Somerset’s empty properties to good use and tackle our county’s housing crisis head-on.
