Improving tenancy sustainability through pre-tenancy training. Chris Hancock & Sarah Harding

Transcription

1 Improving tenancy sustainability through pre-tenancy training Chris Hancock & Sarah Harding

2 Crisis Homelessness ends here Deliver high quality services that enable housing stability, financial security, improved wellbeing and the development of positive relationships Be the leading source of knowledge on causes, effects and solutions for single homelessness. Influence opinion and public policy and raise awareness so that homelessness matters to people

3 Crisis and PRS Since 1997 Work with both landlords and tenants Deliver the Private Rented Sector Advisory Service We have ran funding programmes funding and supporting access to the private rented sector We directly deliver housing projects from all our Skylight centres

4 Ice breaker What's your interest? Experiences of sharing a house? What's the biggest area of tension? One thing you'd like to take from this workshop?

5 Introduction What is pre-tenancy training? Who is it for? Why is it important?

6 Pre- tenancy training Pre-tenancy training is an effective way to help prepare clients for independent living Can be detailed or light-touch, depending on the client s previous housing experience and support needs Pre-tenancy training can take the form of one-to-one sessions or group workshops Post-tenancy support is also important to help ensure tenants maintain a happy and healthy tenancy It reassures landlords they are getting committed and prepared tenants

7 Renting ready Renting is a serious business - so make sure the property and the landlord are safe, legal and secure. Get advice and ask any questions before you sign. RLA landlords support Renting Ready as a sure way to avoid future misunderstandings. Residential Landlords Association

8 Renting ready is Crisis comprehensive and accredited pre-tenancy training course developed for homeless people with little experience of independent living. The course and workbook help tenants understand how to find and keep a private rented home. The course provides practical learning around living on a limited budget, looking after their home and managing relationships with landlords and with flatmates.

9 Renting Ready Housing options: This chapter explains different types of housing available and how housing benefit/local housing allowance works. It covers what a landlord can and can t do and how a tenancy can end. Getting ready to move: This chapter talks about what landlords are looking for in a tenant, where you can get help with costs, and what to look for when viewing a property. Money matters: This chapter covers budgeting and explains bills and financial products as well as how to deal with debt. It is also full of great tips on how to look for and secure the best deal.

10 Renting Ready Making your money go further: This chapter covers how to cook good food on a budget and how to save money on bills as well as useful tips on how to stretch out your household budget. Making a house a home: This chapter tells you where to find affordable furniture and home goods. There are tips on cleaning and basic DIY. It also gives you ideas how to get involved in the community. Finding and living with flatmates: This chapter covers what to think about when you live with other people, and how to prevent and deal with common problems that can occur in shared housing.

11 Renting ready on tour Courses have been delivered in Plymouth, Perth and Denbighshire And Perth over 2 weeks (2 days per week) Delivery is flexible to suit needs of participants One-to-one training also available

12 Common problems in shared housing Cleaning Dishes Taking others food Bills Visitors Noise Personality clashes/ disputes Safety and security

13 Sharing solutions Scenarios Discuss in groups

14 Solutions Understanding what type of sharer you are and what kind of people you would get on with Agreed house rules Lead tenants House meeting Cleaning/cooking rotas Developing good communication skills Support on hand Going through possible scenarios in advance

15 Any questions? Renting ready Contact the Crisis Housing Trainer at