Social Tenancies

Findings from the Housing Executive Home Improvement Grant Survey

12 April 2018

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive recently published their findings from the 2017 Home Improvement Grants Survey.

The Housing Executive’s Grant Scheme provides grants for disabled facilities and mandatory repairs and, in exceptional circumstances, for discretionary renovation, replacement and home repair assistance.

Overall, the findings from the survey were very positive. The vast majority (92%) of the 712 respondents were satisfied with the scheme.

Tagged In

Social Tenancies

Northern Ireland Housing Bulletin released for July – September 2017

6 February 2018

The Department for Communities has released the Northern Ireland Housing Bulletin for July – September 2017. The Bulletin demonstrates ongoing trends in several current policy issues, such as homelessness, housing supply and house prices.

Tagged In

Research, Social Tenancies, Policy

Housing Rights response to DfC proposals - A fundamental review of social housing allocations

Consultation Response

December 2017

We welcome the publication of a Review which aims to achieve a fair, transparent and effective Housing Selection Scheme in Northern Ireland, ensuring applicants in the greatest need have their housing needs met. It is Housing Rights’ view that further evaluation and/or refinement of some of the proposals cited could strengthen the impact of such proposals and ensure the Department’s aim is achieved. Housing Rights has offered the organisation’s views on how this may be best achieved within our response.

Housing Rights Response to DfC Consultation on Proposals for Fundamental Review of Social Housing Allocations.pdf

Tagged In

Social Tenancies, Policy

Successfully challenging decision on succession

19 December 2017

Clare, an adviser at Housing Rights, recently assisted a young man who was at risk of being made homeless after his mother died. Paul had moved back into his family home with his mother six years ago, but when his mum died he was told by his mother’s housing association that he would have to leave the property as he had no legal right to remain there.

Tagged In

Social Tenancies, Welfare Reform, Adviser

Placing homeless households in the private sector: Housing Rights’ position

7 December 2017

In the recently launched consultation on social housing allocations, the Department for Communities made 20 proposals. We consider one of the biggest of these: allowing the Housing Executive to discharge “Full Duty Applicant” (FDA) homeless households into the private rented sector.

Tagged In

Social Tenancies, Private Tenancies, Policy, Homelessness, Affordability

Northern Ireland Housing Executive satisfaction survey released

6 December 2017

The Northern Ireland Housing Executive has released its latest report into tenant satisfaction. The Housing Executive surveys tenants each year to establish their level of satisfaction with the service they receive from their landlord. The Continuous Tenant Omnibus asks tenants to indicate their satisfaction with a number of business areas, including

Tagged In

Research, Social Tenancies, Welfare Reform

Key figures from the latest Housing Bulletin

17 November 2017

The Department for Communities has released the Northern Ireland Housing Bulletin for April-June 2017, detailing recent progressions in house prices, homelessness and housing supply.

Tagged In

Social Tenancies, Private Tenancies, Policy

Consultation on future changes to funding of supported housing

8 November 2017

Theresa May recently announced that the UK Government no longer intends to extend LHA restrictions to the social housing sector.

Tagged In

Social Tenancies, Policy

Transferring accommodation and the Social Sector Size Criteria

26 October 2017

Housing Rights recently assisted a couple who were transferring between social tenancies and stood to be negatively impacted by the Social Sector Size Criteria. Housing Rights helped to ensure that the couple made their move without experiencing financial loss.