Housing associations in England reconfirm their eviction pledge and support for residents

Today the National Housing Federation, the trade body representing housing associations providing homes to six million people, has moved to reassure residents that where they engage with their landlord they will not be evicted as a result of financial hardship.

In light of the cost of living crisis, the sector is reconfirming its pledge of supporting residents who are struggling with money worries. The announcement first made at start of the pandemic, and established as a permanent pledge last summer, saw housing associations commit to:

1. Keeping people secure at home

No one will be evicted from a housing association home as a result of financial hardship, where they are working (or engaging) with their housing association to get their payments back on track.

2. Helping people to get the support they need

Housing associations are helping residents to access benefits and other support to alleviate financial hardship, including supporting people to get into work where possible.

3. Acting compassionately and quickly where people are struggling

Housing associations will work with any resident who is struggling to pay rent to make arrangements that are manageable for them in the long term. Legal action will only be taken in serious circumstances – for example as a last resort where a resident will not agree a plan with their landlord to pay their rent, or where it is needed urgently in cases of domestic abuse or of antisocial behaviour that is putting other residents or communities at risk.

Kate Henderson, Chief Executive of the National Housing Federation, says:

“The cost of living crisis is making it increasingly difficult for families across the country to cover basic costs like rent, energy bills and food. This is why we want to reassure housing association residents who are struggling to pay their rent that they can talk to their housing association about their concerns and they will not be evicted.

“For housing associations, evictions are always a last resort and are only carried out in the most serious circumstances, such as in cases of antisocial behavior that puts other residents at risk. Support from social landlords is available for people who are finding it difficult to pay their bills.

“We encourage residents who are struggling financially to get in touch with their housing association. Housing associations exist to provide homes to people on the lowest incomes and want to support residents who are have money worries.”