As part of the Preventing Possession Initiative, a dedicated policy officer has been working in partnership with the Department for Social Development (Housing Division) and social housing providers in NI (including NIHE), to develop good practice guidance in rent arrears management and recovery for the social housing sector in Northern Ireland. 

The guidance is currently with NIFHA for consultation and we hope to see it launched and adopted by all social housing providers in the autumn.  A crucial element of the work of the Preventing Possession Initiative has been ensuring that a standard approach to rent arrears is taken by all social housing providers in Northern Ireland.  We see this as an important step in preventing homelessness as a consequence of debt related possession action.  An important element of this piece of work has been in striking a balance between maximising income for the housing provider whilst ensuring that eviction is treated as a last resort.

We'd be very interested to hear what your views are on this kind of cohesion throughout the sector.  What do you think are important factors in preventing a breakdown of the tenant/landlord relationship when dealing with arrears?