Universal Credit survey: how is the coronavirus crisis affecting rent arrears?

The coronavirus outbreak is affecting everyone, including housing association residents who may be experiencing reduced or no income at the moment. This could lead to an increase in rent arrears. To understand this further, we are running a short monthly survey to monitor the impact of coronavirus on rent arrears and any relationship this may have with Universal Credit.

Thank you to all our members who have completed the survey so far – responses covered about a third of housing association stock in England. We share the results with members who complete it, along with DWP and MHCLG officials. We use the evidence it provides to suggest further improvements to Universal Credit, and to evidence the impact of the coronavirus crisis on residents and housing associations.

When more housing associations respond to our surveys, we are better placed to accurately represent our members’ views.

If you work for a housing association, we would like you to share your views by completing our short survey. You will find the link for it on this page when it's next live.