Can I become a kinship carer if I live in rented accommodation?

The key issue is whether your tenancy and home can accommodate the proposed arrangement safely and lawfully. Being a tenant is not, by itself, a barrier. Your circumstances will be considered alongside the child’s needs, the type of kinship care being arranged and any conditions attached to your tenancy.

Check your tenancy before making arrangements. Look for terms covering:

• the number of people who may live in the property;
• permission for another child or adult to move in;
• subletting, lodgers or changes to household members;
• overcrowding and room-use requirements; and
• the need to notify the landlord or housing provider about a change in circumstances.

Ask your landlord or housing provider for written confirmation of what is required. If you rent from a council or housing association, speak to the housing team as well as checking your tenancy agreement. If you rent privately, your landlord may need to confirm that the proposed living arrangements comply with the tenancy. Do this as early as possible and keep copies of any correspondence.

Your landlord’s permission is separate from the kinship assessment. A social worker or assessing practitioner will usually want to understand where the child will sleep, how much space is available, who else lives there and whether the arrangement can provide stability. The home does not normally need to be large or owned by you, but it must be suitable for the child’s age, needs and circumstances. This can include safe sleeping arrangements, adequate heating, working facilities, suitable storage and a safe environment generally.

Room-sharing may be considered in some circumstances, particularly where children are young or already have a close relationship. It should not be assumed that it will be acceptable in every case. The child’s age, sex, individual needs, privacy, any safeguarding concerns and the needs of other household members may all be relevant. Ask the assessing social worker what arrangement is expected rather than making changes based only on informal advice.

The legal route for caring for the child can affect the process. For example, the requirements may differ where you are being considered as a connected person foster carer for a child looked after by the local authority, compared with caring under a child arrangements order or special guardianship order. Your social worker should explain which approvals, checks and permissions apply. These may include accommodation checks, household checks, references, health information, criminal record checks, training and a fuller assessment of your ability to meet the child’s needs.

If the property is too small or your tenancy does not permit the arrangement, raise this immediately rather than waiting for the assessment to finish. Possible steps may include:

• asking the landlord whether written consent can be given;
• requesting a housing review if you are a social tenant and the household would become overcrowded;
• speaking to the local authority housing team about homelessness prevention or other housing options;
• checking whether adaptations or safety improvements need approval; and
• obtaining independent housing or legal advice if the tenancy position is unclear.

Do not move the child into the property in breach of your tenancy without finding out the consequences first. Unauthorised occupation, overcrowding or unapproved alterations could place your tenancy at risk, although the effect will depend on the agreement and the facts of the case. Equally, do not assume that a landlord’s initial concern means kinship care cannot proceed; ask for the reason in writing and discuss it with the social worker and housing adviser.

Rent, council tax, household bills and any changes to benefits may also need to be reviewed. Kinship carers can receive different types of financial help depending on the child’s legal status and the local authority arrangements. Do not rely on a general fostering allowance figure, because financial support is not identical in every kinship situation and may change according to the order or approval in place.

Before progressing, prepare details of your tenancy, the rooms in the property, everyone who lives there and any permission already obtained. Sharing this information early allows the assessing team to identify practical issues and consider them as part of the overall plan for the child.