While the ongoing coronavirus situation has meant uncertain and difficult times for all, it is an especially uncertain times for social housing tenants, and to assure tenants and answer some concerns Community Housing Cymru (CHC) has provided the following information, applying to all housing association tenants in Wales.

On 18th March, housing associations in Wales committed not to evict any tenant who suffers financial hardship as a result of coronavirus, and on 3rd April, a package of measures and financial support was announced by Community Housing Cymru to support tenants through this difficult period, making the following commitments:

Housing associations will keep tenants safe and secure in their homes

Housing associations have committed to not evict any tenant who suffers financial hardship during the Coronavirus pandemic, and will continue to offer support throughout this period and beyond. CHC is also continuing its work to end all evictions into homelessness from social housing.

Housing associations will help tenants get the financial support they need

Housing associations have a range of CHC’s own support and advice services available, as well as working closely with other local advice services, to ensure tenants have access to the support they need.

Housing associations are here to support tenants and find solutions if they have difficulty paying their rent

If tenants are having difficulty paying their rent, it is vital that they engage with their housing associations. CHC’s members have a range of solutions and ways in which they can support tenants in difficult financial circumstances.

Housing associations will do everything they can to support tenants’ wellbeing

Housing associations are rooted in their communities and have a host of mechanisms to support tenants’ physical and mental wellbeing during this difficult time. They are adapting services in new and innovative ways to ensure they are able to reach tenants throughout this period.

These are high level principles, which CHC has confirmed local government have signed up to alongside its members.

CHC is currently working together with Welsh Government to enshrine these principles into a clear protocol which will be available publically to all landlords, and which it will share with tenants too.