EUKN - European Urban Knowledge Network - Improving the effectiveness of rent arrears management

Improving the effectiveness of rent arrears management

Introduction

Gives guidance for social landlords on how to manage rent arrears, based on research carried out into the use of possession actions and evictions, which found that the majority of tenant evictions are the result of rent arrears.

Description

In light of concerns at the rising number of possession actions and evictions by social landlords, the research evaluated the use of eviction by social landlords. It also explored best practice approaches for social landlords, by identifying lessons in the management of tenancies in order to prevent unnecessary possession action.

Background information

The guidance was prepared in response to concerns at the rising number of possession actions and evictions by social landlords. In 2003, ODPM commissioned research, and the preparation of this associated guidance, by the University of Glasgow.

Methodology

Draws together information from

a literature review of existing research evidence and good practice;
a national postal survey questionnaire of local authority and registered social landlords in England;
detailed case studies of 15 social landlords, including interviews with housing officers, welfare agencies, legal professionals and focus groups with tenants; and
telephone interviews with individual tenants who have been subject to legal action.

Conclusions

The research found that possession actions by social landlords more than doubled in the decade to 2003, the vast majority triggered by rent arrears. It presents good practice recommendations on rent arrears management in terms of

early intervention;
direct and personal contact with tenants;
incentives and enhanced welfare benefits advice; and
referrals to debt counselling agencies.

Contact info

School of the Built Environment, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh
Mr Hal Pawson (Senior research fellow), tel. +44 131 451 3154

Publication date

01/06/2005

Researcher

Department of Urban Studies, University of Glasgow and the School of the Built Environment, Heriot Watt University

Links

Office of the Deputy Prime Minister (now Department for Communities and Local Government)School of the Built Environment, Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh

Improving the effectiveness of rent arrears management. Good practice guidance (PDF, Eng, 603KB)

Document type

research

Themes

Urban Policy > Housing > Housing management

Keywords

Tenant management