An Introduction to Social Housing

Course Overview 

Learn about the role and responsibilities of the social housing sector including best practice on managing tenancies, lettings, allocations, rent arrears etc. The course also explains the roots of social housing and the challenges facing the sector today.  

What you’ll learn: 

• Understand the different housing allocation systems and reasonable preference groups
• Explain the five tests for homelessness when allocating housing
• How to manage and prevent rent arrears
• Understand different tenancy types and how social housing is allocated 
• How to involve residents in decision making
• How to deal with anti-social behaviour

Who’s it for: 

This course is ideal for new starters and returning staff who work in the social housing sector, including housing associations and local authorities, or anyone who would like to learn more about social housing.  

How it's delivered: 

This course is delivered ‘live on-line’ with a trainer and can be accessed via a PC, Mac or Tablet. With live online, you can interact, ask questions and practice new skills – all without leaving your desk! Perfect for dispersed teams working from home.  

Pricing:  

This course is available on demand. Please get in touch for a quote if you'd like to book a live online course date for your organisation only.

Topics: 

Module 1: An Introduction to Social Housing 

• What is social Housing? 
• What are the functions of Social Housing? 
• What are the origins of Social Housing? 
• How is the sector regulated? 
• What are the challenges facing the sector? 

Module 2: Tenancy types, Lettings, Allocations and Homelessness 

• Lettings, Allocations and Homelessness 
• Housing allocations 
• Choice-based lettings 
• Social Housing Tenancy types 
• What is Affordable Housing? 
• Special Needs Housing Management 
• Special Consideration Groups 
• Unfavourable Medical or Related Condition 
• Temporary Accommodation 

Module 3: Managing rental income and arrears 

• Rent setting 
• Affordable Housing 
•  Rent strategy 
• Managing rent arrears 
• Preventing rent arrears and creating sustainable tenancies 

Module 4: Important aspects 

• Resident involvement and engagement 
• Overview of social housing finance 
• Dealing with Anti-social Behaviour 
• Repairs and Maintenance