SFHA: No housing association tenant will be evicted due to coronavirus

The Scottish Federation of Housing Associations (SFHA) has confirmed that no housing association tenant will be evicted due to experiencing financial hardship as a result of the coronavirus outbreak.   

SFHA’s announcement comes after the First Minister said yesterday that no-one should face eviction as a result of the crisis.  

Sally Thomas, SFHA Chief Executive, said:   

“We, of course, agree with the First Minister that no-one should face eviction as a result of financial hardship caused by the coronavirus crisis. This is absolutely the right thing to do socially and morally.   

“However, rental income is vital for housing associations and co-operatives as social not-for-profit businesses. It allows them to provide support and services for tenants and to carry out essential repairs and maintenance work. 

“Housing associations work hard to help their tenants to manage their rent through tenancy support, welfare advice, and financial inclusion services.  

“We will work with the Scottish Government to ensure that our members, and their tenants, can cope with any negative effects of the coronavirus outbreak. This will include working together to ensure there is financial support for social landlords that experience income loss as a result of coronavirus. This support is more important than ever as we all work together to minimise the impact of the crisis on the most vulnerable people in our communities.” 

Ends  

For further information, please contact SFHA Media Adviser Kirsten Walker on m: 0788 788 8348 or email: kwalker@sfha.co.uk   

 Visit our website at www.sfha.co.uk   

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  Notes to editors