Can I foster in Herefordshire if I rent my home?

Renting does not by itself prevent you from becoming a foster carer. The assessment will look at whether your accommodation, tenancy and household arrangements can provide a stable and appropriate home for a child or young person.

Your tenancy arrangements

Your fostering service will need to understand the type of tenancy you have, how long it has left to run and whether there are any restrictions affecting who can live in the property. If your tenancy is due to end soon, or you expect to move, explain this at the earliest stage so the assessment can take account of your plans.

It is sensible to check your tenancy agreement and speak to your landlord or housing provider before making firm arrangements. You may need to provide written confirmation that fostering is permitted. This applies whether you rent privately, from a housing association or from another social landlord. A landlord may also set conditions about alterations, additional household members or the use of particular rooms.

How the property is assessed

A home visit forms part of the fostering assessment. The assessor will consider the available space, sleeping arrangements, privacy, cleanliness, security and general condition of the property. The accommodation must be suitable for the age and needs of the child or young person who may be placed with you, as well as for everyone already living in the household.

Safety matters will also be considered. This can include access to rooms, stairs, windows, outdoor areas, storage of medicines or hazardous substances, and arrangements for fire safety. You may be asked to address practical issues before approval. If changes are needed, check with your landlord first so that you do not breach your tenancy by carrying out work or installing equipment.

What you may need to provide

• a copy of your tenancy agreement;
• evidence of the tenancy length and any relevant housing conditions;
• written confirmation from the landlord or housing provider where required;
• details of everyone who lives in or regularly stays at the property;
• information about the proposed bedroom and household sleeping arrangements; and
• permission for the required home and safety checks.

The exact evidence will depend on your circumstances. Your fostering assessor can explain what is needed and identify any issue that should be resolved before the assessment progresses.

Other points to consider

Fostering can involve a child or young person remaining in your household for a significant period, so your housing situation should be reasonably stable. Consider what would happen if your landlord changed the tenancy terms, the property was sold or you needed to move. You should discuss any possible change of address with the fostering service before moving, because a new property would need to be assessed separately.

If you live with a partner, relatives, lodgers or other household members, their views and circumstances will also be considered. Everyone in the home needs to understand the effect fostering may have on privacy, routines and shared spaces. These discussions form part of deciding which type of fostering arrangement could be appropriate.

Once your housing position has been clarified, you can continue through the usual fostering process, including checks, training and a full assessment of your household. Renting is therefore one factor in the assessment rather than an automatic barrier; the important point is that the arrangements are authorised, secure and suitable for the child or young person being considered.