Landlords in Croydon have been encouraged to use a free early-intervention service before asking tenants to move out.
The council’s new initiative aims to address issues before they lead to eviction by supporting landlords to keep people in their homes, avoid unnecessary and costly eviction proceedings and reduce the emotional and financial impact of eviction for both landlords and tenants.
Landlords considering serving a Section 21 or Section 8 eviction notice, as well as letting agents representing landlords, can access the service by completing an online referral form. The council will then assess the situation and work with both parties to find a suitable solution. Mediation will be offered where necessary.
They can also get advice on resolving disputes, managing tenants with rent arrears, understanding their legal responsibilities and exploring alternative solutions to eviction.
With more than 3,600 households in temporary accommodation and more than 8,600 households on the housing waiting list, Croydon faces a severe shortage of affordable homes. It receives about 400 new homelessness applications each month, but only a small number of homes become available.
Executive mayor Jason Perry (pictured) believes everybody deserves a safe, decent, and well-managed home, whether they’re a landlord or a tenant. He explains: “This service is a key part of ensuring everyone in Croydon has access to stable, long-term housing. By offering early support, we can reduce the number of evictions, keep people in their homes and tackle the housing challenges in our borough.”
In February, Croydon announced plans to bring back its selective licensing scheme after a five-year break.
The authority has been transforming its housing service to raise standards across the borough and believes a new scheme would protect residents from living in poor conditions and help regulate the sector.
Pic credit: Conservative Home/Jason Perry.
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