Homeless people and those reliant on low incomes/welfare benefits find it particularly difficult to access private rented sector accommodation. This is usually due to difficulties with being able to afford to pay rent deposits/rent in advance payments and the reluctance of many landlords to accept people who have been homeless and those in receipt of welfare benefits. In recent years, a number of private rented sector (PRS) access schemes have therefore been developed. By providing services such as rent deposits/rent in advance and incentives to landlords, these schemes are playing an increasingly important role in helping homeless people and those at risk of homelessness to access private rented sector accommodation. This is especially the case in London where decent, affordable rented accommodation is often especially hard to access.