Tackling housing debt and eviction

Overview

The loss of a home through eviction, and subsequent consequences, can be financially and emotionally devastating. The cost-of-living crisis has placed new financial pressures on low-income households. This research identifies ways to avoid eviction proceedings through measures that improve meaningful communication between those in housing debt, housing providers, and advice services.

Key Findings

Based on 139 survey responses and 53 interviews with occupiers, debt advisers, legal practitioners, and housing providers, we found that:

• Barriers to seeking advice and support in resolving housing debt
• Engagement with the legal process
• Mental health issues
• Broader factors contributing to arrears included

Policy recommendations

• Improving communication and engagement
• Landlords and Lenders as Sources of Advice
• Encouraging attendance at court
• Address data and information deficits
• Communal service charges
• Reform of the Universal Credit system

Project members

Lisa Whitehouse

Tracey Varnava

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