How to make a supported accommodation referral
A strong referral gives the provider enough relevant information to assess suitability while following your organisation's consent, privacy and safeguarding procedures.
1. Confirm the person's housing route
Before searching, establish who is responsible for the referral, any assessment or funding decision still needed, and whether the person can self-refer. Local pathways and provider criteria vary.
2. Define the placement requirements
- Preferred and acceptable locations
- Move-in timescale and urgency
- Shared or self-contained accommodation
- Accessibility, communication and cultural needs
- Support needs, risks and protective factors
- Funding or benefit position where relevant
- Areas or household arrangements that would be unsuitable
3. Check live vacancy details
Search current adverts before sharing personal information. Compare the intended resident group, support offered, staffing, accessibility, cost, availability and accepted referral route. Contact the provider for anything the advert does not make clear.
4. Prepare a proportionate referral
Follow your organisation's lawful basis, consent and information-sharing procedures. Provide accurate information needed for assessment, explain current risks with relevant context and avoid adding unrelated personal details.
5. Keep decisions and next steps clear
Record when the referral was sent, who received it and what the next stage is. A referral does not guarantee a placement. The provider and the professionals involved still need to confirm suitability, funding, safeguarding arrangements and the person's views before move-in.
Frequently asked questions
Who can make a referral on RoomsNow?
RoomsNow referrer accounts are designed for authorised professionals working with an organisation and arranging accommodation for another person.
Does a referral guarantee a room?
No. Availability can change and the provider must assess suitability and eligibility before offering a placement.
What if the need is urgent or someone is in danger?
Use the appropriate emergency, safeguarding or statutory homelessness route. A marketplace referral is not an emergency response service.
Start with current vacancies
Search by location, support need and referral route before preparing a referral.
Search supported accommodation