cial rented sector a scarce resource and generally not available ‘on demand’. Housing authorities must allocate accommodation in accordance with Part 6 of the Housing Act 1996, which requires them to publish an allocations scheme and give reasonable preference to housing applicants who fall within specified groups, including people who need to move on medical and welfare grounds. Statutory guidance29 says that in this context "welfare grounds" would include the need to provide a secure base from which a care leaver can build a stable life. 7.69. Local authorities should use joint protocols to ensure that: • PAs and young people have access to information about, and understand the process of applying for social rented housing; • There is flexibility to enable young people to return to more supported accommodation if they are not coping with independent living – whilst retaining the opportunity to apply for a new tenancy in the future when they are better prepared for independent living. Privately rented housing 7.70. Residential accommodation in the private rented sector may be offered by an individual or a company. The sector includes a variety of accommodation and, unlike most social rented housing, can include flat shares. However, there can be financial barriers to accessing accommodation in the private rented sector, for example the common requirements for rent in advance and a security deposit in case of damage. Another potential barrier to care leavers can be negative landlord perceptions of young people as tenants. 29 Allocation of accommodation: guidance for local housing authorities in England (2012) https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/allocation-of-accommodation-guidance-for-local-housing- authorities-in-england 72 7.71. Safety, physical condition and a