Glossary
Needs assessment
In one sentence
An assessment of a resident's needs, risks and goals, which licensing will require on arrival or within four weeks.
A good assessment covers housing history, health, substance use, money, risks, relationships and the person's own goals. It is the basis for the support plan.
Related terms
Where it comes up
- Licensing and the national supported housing standardsThe Supported Housing (Regulatory Oversight) Act 2023 lets the government set national supported housing standards and create a council-run licensing regime for supported exempt accommodation in England. The April 2026 response confirmed licence holders must meet the standards, pass a wider fit and proper test and assess each resident's needs within four weeks. Licensing is expected in 2027.
- A guide for managing agents and proptech teams in supported housingIn supported housing the landlord, support provider and managing agent carry different duties, and the paperwork has to say who does what. Managing agents need a clear management agreement and a compliance record. Proptech teams should build around the evidence councils and licensing officers ask for, with proper protection for sensitive data.
- What is exempt accommodation?Exempt accommodation is supported housing where the landlord is a housing association, registered charity, voluntary organisation or non-metropolitan county council, and that landlord, or someone acting for it, gives the resident more than minimal care, support or supervision. Housing Benefit pays the rent, and the usual local rent caps do not apply.