When a tenant is about to be evicted, local authorities are frequently advising tenants to stay put.

Tenant and landlord both have difficulties because of this, as they must manage the associated legal fees and uncertainty.

The NRLA is now seeking to speak with landlords who have been impacted by this.

Authorities should not routinely be advising tenants to stay.

According to the Homelessness Code of Guidance, states where applicants are threatened with homelessness, councils must take reasonable steps to help prevent it from occurring.

It is noted in the guidance that “Housing authorities should not consider it reasonable for an applicant to remain in occupation until eviction by a bailiff.”

The former Housing Minister, Brandon Lewis, wrote to all councils in 2016 and stated, “Authorities should not routinely be advising tenants to stay until the bailiffs arrive; there is no barrier to them assisting the tenant before this.”

Local authorities waste a great chance to stop homelessness by acting in this way.

Keen to hear from landlords.

Considering its current campaign, the NRLA is interested in learning landlords’ perspectives on their experiences advising tenants to remain in their homes in the face of eviction.

“This practice is something the policy team raises regularly in our meetings with the government, making the case that the homelessness duty should be applied consistently across the country,” stated James Wood, policy manager for the NRLA.

James Wood is keen to hear from landlords who have been affected by this, so they can share examples of poor practice with the Department for Levelling up Housing and Communities.

The NRLA would especially like to speak with landlords who are aware that their tenants have not received a customised housing plan or have been informed that no action will be taken until a warrant is issued.

Landlords can contact the NRLA here.

Author: Jag Chaggar