The DCLG said that with a fifth of prisoners reporting on release that they have nowhere to stay, offering this kind of service could be crucial to stop a revolving door which brings ex-offenders back into prison because they have nowhere else to go, according to Perrons Davis, who provide a range of lettings related services for property investors.

Two thirds of ex-prisoners re-offend within two years of release. Getting ex-prisoners into stable homes could reduce re-offending rates by as much as a fifth.

Housing Minister Grant Shapps said: "People can become homeless for a whole host of complex reasons - whether alcohol, drugs, losing a job or the breakdown of a relationship. But when a third of all rough sleepers have spent time in prison, this is one particular reason that needs our urgent attention.

"No-one should be left in the position where they re-offend just to get a roof over their heads. Thats why our new scheme to help homeless people into stable, private rented accommodation will also be on hand to help ex-prisoners.

Steve Perrons, managing director of Perrons Davis, said: “Most professional private landlords will turn away former prisoners because they view them as high risk. This does not have to be the case. We already house a number of ex-offenders in some of our properties. As long as someone is able to nominate a guarantor to underwrite them for arrears or damage, it is possible for a private landlord to let to former prisoners, or indeed anyone in receipt of housing benefit.
"We urge other landlords to re-consider their current rules, and implement new methods that will enable more people on the lowest rungs of society to find a decent home.”