Secure Homes,Guaranteed Rent, Real Social Impact
We work alongside local stakeholders to break down the systemic barriers that have kept people shut out of the housing market.
A Fairer Path Forward our approach is built on the belief that stability shouldn’t be a privilege. Through the power of data, compassion, and community partnership, we are making stable housing a reality for those who have been overlooked for too long. Together, we are building a West Yorkshire where everyone has the foundation they need to succeed.
Secure Homes, Guaranteed Rent, Real Social Impact
About our Organisation
RootSpace Housing is not simply about accommodation. It’s about restoring belonging, trust, and independence one home, one person, and one community at a time
RootSpace Housing is a community interest company working at the intersection of justice
RootSpace Housing is a community interest company working at the intersection of justice
The Challenge We Face
West Yorkshire is currently navigating a deep and complex housing crisis. For many in our community, the path to a stable home is blocked by systemic barriers from a lack of savings to the requirement of a guarantor. Without a permanent address, it becomes nearly impossible for individuals to secure employment, reconnect with loved ones, or find the stability needed to thrive.
The statistics are sobering: in Leeds alone, the wait for priority housing can exceed four years. This crisis does not affect everyone equally; disabled residents and minority ethnic families are disproportionately impacted, often trapped in overcrowded or inaccessible conditions. At Rootspace, we believe that a home is more than just a roof it is the essential foundation for a dignity filled life.
The Scale of the Crisis
The 85,000-Household Backlog
Over 85,000 households are currently on social housing registers in West Yorkshire—representing 1 in every 25 residents.
Leeds Breaking Point
Over 21,500 waiting; the city is currently delivering less than 40% of its annual affordable housing target.
Bradford Overcrowding
18,350 households on the list, with acute pressure from large, multi-generational families in cramped terraces.
Kirklees Surge
A 21% spike in applications over the last 18 months has left nearly 17,000 families in limbo.
Rent Hikes
2025 private rents rose 4.3%, hitting an average of £773 in Wakefield and over £900 in Leeds.
The 45% Rent Burden
Lower-quartile earners now spend 45% of their total income on rent, far exceeding the 30% "affordability" benchmark.
The Benefit Shortfall
Nearly 50% of private tenants on Universal Credit face a gap between their housing allowance and actual rent, fueling a new wave of evictions.
Net Stock Loss
Since 2017, "Right to Buy" sales have continuously outpaced new construction, leading to a net decrease in total social homes.
The "Sticking Plaster" Drain
31% of the Homelessness Prevention Grant is being diverted to hotels and B&Bs rather than long-term building.
Temporary Accommodation (TA) Explosion
The number of families in nightly-paid emergency housing has surged by 79% in just one year.
Failed Delivery Tests
Kirklees delivered less than 75% of its housing target, triggering "presumption in favour" of unplanned and often unpopular developments.
Health Costs
Poor housing conditions cost the local NHS millions annually due to respiratory-related admissions, specifically in children.
We partner with
Tenants
we unlock access to safe and affordable homes, removing barriers with deposit alternatives, rent support, and ongoing guidance to help sustain tenancies for the long term.Working alongside charities and organisations to bring on going support
We partner with
Landlords
we provide certainty: guaranteed rent every month, full protection against damage, and professional management that takes away the stress of tenant issues.
We partner with
Organisations
Properties
Latest Properties
Explore recently added rental homes made available through our network of supportive landlords.
Each property is carefully reviewed to ensure it meets our standards for safe, secure, and suitable housing