Supported exempt accommodation

Supported exempt accommodation (SEA) is housing for vulnerable people that offers care, support, or supervision. It is provided by charities, housing associations or specialist voluntary organisations. 

SEA aims to promote stability and independent living by supporting vulnerable people who may:

• be experiencing homelessness 
• be experiencing domestic abuse 
• have a mental health condition
• be leaving institutional care

To be classified as supported exempt accommodation

• The landlord must be a voluntary organisation, a registered community interest company (CIC) or registered provider (housing association)
• The landlord must have a legal interest in the property concerned whether this be ownership or lease
• The tenant must need care, support or supervision
• The ‘support’ to meet these needs must be provided by the landlord or on its behalf

To be classified as a managed property

• The landlord must be a voluntary organisation, a registered charity or registered provider (housing association)
• An appointed third party provides the care, support or supervision
• The landlord must have a legal interest in the property concerned (ownership or lease)
• The tenant must need care, support or supervision

To be classified as a domestic abuse refuge

• The landlord can be the same providers as above but can also be the local authority (council)
• The accommodation must be used wholly or mainly for non-permanent accommodation for people who have left their homes because of domestic abuse
• There is no requirement that the tenant receives care, support or supervision

To be classified as a hostel

• Hostel cannot be self-contained
• The ‘support’ to meet these needs must be provided by the landlord or on its behalf