Approaches to tenancy management in the social housing sector: Exploring new models and changes in the tenant-landlord relationship

Abstract

The purpose of this report is to examine some of these new models of tenancy management.
It is not intended to provide definitive answers or to assert that one model is correct, but to act as a starting point and to provoke debate.
Some of the models have been implemented as pilots; the benefits and challenges are still being examined internally.
In combining in-depth case studies at eight housing providers, an online survey of other housing providers, and interviews with tenants at the case study organisations, this report captures a breadth of perspectives from across the sector.
It stimulates discussion on how these models have been implemented, their applicability in different organisations, and explores the practical, policy, social and business questions they prompt different models, procedures and interventions discussed in this research suggest that attitudes within the social housing sector (and beyond) are shifting, with a greater expectation that tenants engage, contribute and/or take responsibility.
However, whilst some of these models apply this thinking to tenancy conditions that already exist (rent arrears, ASB, etc.), others are extending this attitude by making other behaviours part and parcel of tenancy conditions.
The introduction of elements of conditionality into tenancies has prompted polarized opinions from housing staff, tenants, the broader social housing sector and academia.