Local Authorities have reaffirmed their approach to supporting tenants to stay in their homes.

COSLA, the Association of Local Authority Chief Housing Officers, housing associations and Scottish Government, have worked together to highlight the measures undertaken to engage with tenants in financial difficulty to maintain their tenancy.

The long standing shared commitment to keeping rents affordable and working with tenants who are experiencing financial hardship has never been more important than during the pandemic, where more people may have been found themselves in this position for the first time.

The support offered has had to rapidly change shape, moving to online and phone based support, maintaining contact and helping to keep tenants and communities safe.

The joint statement sets out the steps taken and encourages tenants to seek help early and engage with their landlord in order to maximise the support that can be offered. A similar statement has been developed by the Scottish Association of Landlords, as a representative body for private landlords.

COSLA's Community Wellbeing Spokesperson, Councillor Kelly Parry, said:

“Local authorities have worked closely with tenants during the public health crisis, to support them to stay in their homes.

"This is something we were doing previously, but became even more important as our homes became even more important to us over the months of the pandemic.

"I am glad to see the sector restate their commitment to support tenants, and would encourage any tenant facing financial challenges to work closely with their landlord and seek advice and guidance early.”