New statistics released today by CHAIN (Combined Homelessness and Information Network) highlight the numbers of people rough sleeping in London between January and March this year.
These new figures come alongside the release of the latest statutory homelessness statistics from the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG). These statistics show the number of people in England who were either homeless, or at risk of homelessness, between October and December last year.
The latest homelessness figures show that:
- Outreach teams recorded 3,944 individuals sleeping rough in the capital between January and March 2026
- 55% of people seen rough sleeping in London between January and March 2026 had a mental health support need
- 76,270 households in England were assessed as homeless, or at risk of homelessness, between October and December 2025
- On 31 December 2025, 134,210 households were in temporary accommodation, a 5% increase from 2024
- Between October to December 2025, the end of a private rented Assured Shorthold Tenancy was the most common reason for households approaching their local council for support with preventing homelessness.
Responding to the release of the latest homelessness and rough sleeping statistics, Emma Haddad, Chief Executive of St Mungo’s, said:
“On the eve of the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force, 3,944 people have been sleeping rough on the streets of London in the past three months. The number of people seeking help for homelessness from their local council also now stands at 76,270.
Behind every statistic is a human story, and working on the frontline of homelessness, we know there are many complex situations that may cause someone to lose their home. Today’s figures show once again that the end of a tenancy is the most common factor pushing households into homelessness.
The consequences of this can be profound – mental and physical health needs can spiral, and life chances can dwindle, leaving people with no choice but to navigate a creaking temporary accommodation system, or find themselves forced onto the streets.
At St Mungo’s, we offer support to equip people with complex needs to sustain their tenancies and rebuild their independence. But challenges with the accessibility and affordability of the private rented sector can prevent people from finding suitable accommodation and recovering from homelessness.
The Renters’ Rights Act represents a sea change moment for people who have been pushed into or put at risk of homelessness. Measures in the Act, including a ban on Section 21 ‘no-fault’ evictions and limits on rent increases, signal a fundamental shift away from a system that has led people into homelessness instead of into a secure and stable home.
Alongside the Renters’ Rights Act coming into force, we need to ensure that all elements of the Government’s National Plan to End Homelessness are progressed. Only then can we prevent more people experiencing homelessness in the first place and turn the tide on these worrying statistics.”
