Addressing Toxicity in Housing: Steps for Repairing Relationships Between Residents and Providers
Discover the parallels between personal and professional toxic relationships, and how they impact mental health and wellbeing in the context of housing providers and residents. Learn to recognise the signs of toxic relationships, and explore practical steps that both parties can take to address and repair these relationships. From communication skills to conflict resolution and empathy training, find insights and strategies for building positive, healthy relationships and overcoming toxic behaviour in housing.
UK Government's Social Housing Reforms: What You Need to Know
In August 2018, the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government published a green paper titled "A new deal for social housing," outlining five principles to create a new, fairer deal for social housing residents. The government's response to the call for evidence highlighted concerns about safety and quality, poor handling of complaints, and tenants feeling unheard. The government published a social housing white paper on 17 November 2020, which set out measures to reinforce the regulator's objectives, empower residents, and encourage investment in neighbourhoods. Although the white paper was generally well received, stakeholders expressed concerns over the pace of the proposed reforms, tenants' representation, and resource implications for social housing providers.
Stuck in Silence: The Hidden Costs of Poor Communication in the Housing Sector
In this blog post, we'll explore the communication challenges faced by housing associations and the hidden costs of poor communication. We'll also provide practical tips for improving communication with tenants, handling difficult conversations, and training your staff to communicate effectively. By the end of this post, you'll have a better understanding of the far-reaching impacts of poor communication in the housing sector and the urgent need for effective communication practices that prioritise tenant well-being and satisfaction.
The Service Charge: Understanding the What, Why, and How.
In this blog post, we will delve into the issue of service charges from a housing association tenant's perspective. We will explore ways in which housing associations can reduce costs, examine the impact of service charge increases on tenants, and discuss why tenants may feel they are not receiving value for money.
Section 20 - Why it matters, why it should be followed, and what to do when it isn’t.
This blog explores Section 20 of the UK's Landlord and Tenant Act 1985, which requires landlords to consult with tenants before spending money above a certain amount on major works or service charges. Here we discusses the steps landlords must take to adhere to Section 20 guidelines, as well as the repercussions for landlords who fail to comply. It also includes a case study of a housing provider that failed to follow the guidelines and the actions taken by the tenant to challenge the provider's compliance. The blog concludes with advice for tenants who believe their landlords are not following Section 20 guidelines and how they can challenge them in the First-Tier Tribunal (Property Chamber).
“In it together” and the actions needed to bring us together.
Housing is an essential need for individuals and families, providing shelter and safety from the elements. However, poor quality and inadequate housing can have profound negative effects on the health and well-being of individuals and families, as well as on the social fabric of neighbourhoods, communities, and the country as a whole. This blog will explore the effects of poor housing on individuals, families, neighbourhoods, communities, and the country, and will also highlight the importance of adequate housing for overall well-being and social stability, and how we should be able to work together.
Risk of Merging
In recent years, we have seen a trend of UK housing associations merging to form larger providers. While the aim of these mergers is often to improve efficiency, increase resources, and deliver better services to tenants, there are also significant pitfalls to consider.
The Messiah Complex, and the Missionary Position.
Does the housing sector have a ‘messiah complex’? Shared owner, Ben Jenkins, explains why he’s fed up with the missionary position…