Tenancy and arrears

All employees should work in partnership with the local authority and commissioners to tackle domestic abuse and ensure that the victim/survivor is not left at risk of homelessness. Every resident who has or is experiencing domestic abuse should be offered appropriate safe accommodation.

Whilst being mindful of the resident’s level of need and experiences.

The domestic abuse victim/survivor should be prioritised for a management move within Housing 21. Even if the resident has arrears, a payment plan must be arranged as soon as the transfer has occurred, providing the resident with safe accommodation. Or the if the victim/survivor wishes to remain in their own home partnership working needs to do so and alternative accommodation should be sought with help from the local authority housing team where appropriate.

Those victim/survivor and victim management move cases should be escalated to the OM/ROM/RECM/CPM and Safeguarding Lead via email for a case meeting to be set up within two working days. All domestic abuse management moves should not revert to a starter tenancy, all victim/survivor and victims’ must retain their assured tenancy status in line with the Domestic Abuse Act 2021.

Joint to sole tenancy must be discussed with the resident and with OM/ROM/RECM/CPM and head. The lettings policy should be followed in this instance.

The domestic abuse victim/survivor or victim must be supported to apply for different benefits and payments to support their economic wellbeing.