Housing Service: Former Tenant Arrears Policy

Overview

This consultation is for Waltham Forest residents, especially those living in council-owned or managed housing.

We are seeking your feedback on the proposed Former Tenant Arrears Policy, which sets out how the Council manages and recovers rent arrears after a tenancy ends.

The Housing Former Tenant Arrears Policy outlines:

  • How the council identifies and recovers unpaid rent after a tenancy ends.
  • The support available for former tenants facing financial hardship.
  • How fairness and legal compliance are maintained throughout the process.

Summary

The Former Tenant Arrears Policy explains how the Council manages unpaid rent after a tenancy ends. It establishes our position on contacting former tenants for the repayment of arrears, using tracing debtors, enforcement powers and when debts should be written off. It aims to do this while also supporting former tenants who face financial hardship, ensuring all actions comply with legal and equality requirements.

Before completing the survey, please read the draft Former Tenant Arrears Policy.

Overview

This consultation is for Waltham Forest residents, especially those living in council-owned or managed housing.

We are seeking your feedback on the proposed Former Tenant Arrears Policy, which sets out how the Council manages and recovers rent arrears after a tenancy ends.

The Housing Former Tenant Arrears Policy outlines:

  • How the council identifies and recovers unpaid rent after a tenancy ends.
  • The support available for former tenants facing financial hardship.
  • How fairness and legal compliance are maintained throughout the process.

Summary

The Former Tenant Arrears Policy explains how the Council manages unpaid rent after a tenancy ends. It establishes our position on contacting former tenants for the repayment of arrears, using tracing debtors, enforcement powers and when debts should be written off. It aims to do this while also supporting former tenants who face financial hardship, ensuring all actions comply with legal and equality requirements.

Before completing the survey, please read the draft Former Tenant Arrears Policy.

  • Why are we seeking your views?

    This consultation aims to understand how the Housing Former Tenant Arrears Policy affects residents, particularly those in council-owned or managed homes. We want to hear your thoughts on whether the policy is clear, meets your expectations, and if there are areas for improvement. Your feedback will help ensure that the policy is effective, fair, and aligned with community needs.

    What do we hope to achieve?

    Through this consultation, we aim to:

    • Ensure the Housing Former Tenant Arrears Policy reflects the concerns and needs of residents.
    • Identify areas of the policy that may require clarification or improvement.
    • Gather feedback on how we can better support former tenants with rent arrears.

    Your input will directly influence the final version of the Housing Former Tenant Arrears Policy, ensuring it aligns with the experiences and expectations of the community.

    When completing the survey: 

    • Please do not include any personal information in your answers, such as your name, address, phone number, or email address.

    How to submit your feedback

    Please submit your feedback by 12noon on 1 May 2026. 


    Take Survey