This report explains the features and benefits of victim service agencies having partnerships with housing landlords that will facilitate meeting the housing needs of victims of human trafficking who are transitioning from their victimizing conditions to a healthy and constructive life.
Due to their trafficking situation, survivors may not have a rental, credit, or employment history. Some survivors may also have a criminal record and/or may not have a legal immigration status. These are significant barriers to accessing affordable and safe housing; however, they can be addressed through creative advocacy with landlords by victim service agencies. The current report outlines actions that victim service providers have found useful in building partnerships with landlords. First, the effort is most likely to be successful if the landlords selected for contacts have prior or existing interactions with a community partner with the victim service agency. This can be the foundation for an appeal to the landlord’s altruistic or business motivations. Contacts can also include property managers who serve as a third party between the rental unit and the potential tenant. Once a potential landlord is identified, meet with her/him to build mutual trust. Describe the success and positive impact of what the victim service agency can achieve. Explain how the service provider will ensure timely rent payments and for how long, as well as what can be done to ensure that clients are able to maintain rent payments after their subsidy ends. Also, ensure the landlord that the victim services agency will deal directly with the landlord to resolve any problems that may arise. Maintenance of the privacy rights of the tenant should also be discussed. Initiating regular contacts with the landlord by the victim service agency is an important part of ensuring that any problems are promptly addressed.