Can I foster if I rent my home in Coventry?

The key issue for a rented home is whether you have secure permission to use the property for fostering and whether it can meet the child’s needs. Your landlord’s agreement, the terms of your tenancy and the suitability of the accommodation will all be considered as part of the fostering assessment.

Landlord permission

You should discuss fostering with your landlord before making firm arrangements. Ask for permission in writing, as verbal agreement may not be enough for your fostering service or tenancy records. This applies whether you rent privately, through a housing association or from a council. Your landlord may need information about the number and age of children you may care for, how fostering could affect the property and whether any changes to the home are required.

Check your tenancy agreement for clauses covering:

• the number of people who may live in the property;
• subletting, lodgers or changes in household occupancy;
• the use of a bedroom by a foster child;
• alterations, adaptations or safety equipment; and
• property inspections, pets or other restrictions that could affect fostering.

Fostering is different from taking in a lodger because the child is placed with you through an approved fostering arrangement. Even so, your landlord may have their own approval process. If you rent through a housing provider, contact its tenancy team and request its position in writing.

Space and bedroom requirements

The fostering service will assess whether your home provides enough suitable space for the child or children you hope to foster. In most situations, a foster child needs their own bedroom rather than sharing with an adult. The room should be appropriately furnished, private and large enough for the child’s belongings and day-to-day needs. The exact arrangements can depend on the child’s age, needs and whether siblings are being considered together.

The assessment also looks beyond the bedroom. It may consider access to a bathroom, safe storage for medicines and cleaning products, fire safety, general condition, heating, outdoor space where relevant and how the layout supports supervision. A rented home does not have to be large or owned by you, but it must provide a safe and stable environment.

Security of your tenancy

Your fostering service will need to understand how secure your housing is. Bring your tenancy agreement and any relevant correspondence to your assessment. A short-term or uncertain tenancy does not automatically rule you out, but the service may need to consider the likelihood of you having to move and the effect this could have on a child’s stability.

If your tenancy is due to end, you are planning to move or your landlord may reclaim the property, explain this at the earliest stage. You may be able to continue with enquiries while housing arrangements are clarified, but approval cannot be based on accommodation that is unsuitable or unavailable to you.

Other checks in a rented property

The home visit forms part of a wider assessment. The fostering service will also consider everyone who lives in the household, including their views and any effect fostering may have on existing children or adults. Standard checks can include identity and criminal record checks, health information, references and discussions about your experience, skills and ability to work with professionals.

You should also check whether fostering affects your contents insurance or any other policy connected with the property. Do not make alterations, install equipment or change the use of a room without the landlord’s agreement. Your assessing social worker can explain what evidence is needed and whether a particular change is necessary.

What to do next

• Read your tenancy agreement carefully.
• Ask your landlord or housing provider whether fostering is permitted.
• Request written permission and clarify any conditions.
• Prepare details of the bedrooms, household members and any planned changes.
• Share the landlord’s response and tenancy documents with the fostering team.

If your landlord will not agree, tell the fostering team rather than proceeding without permission. They can explain whether the issue can be resolved, whether different accommodation would be needed or whether another housing arrangement should be considered. The local team can guide you through the property requirements alongside the rest of your fostering assessment.