Renting

A recent blaze in a tower block in South London has brought the issue of fire safety to the forefront and exposed the perilous state of many residential estates. Robin Stares investigates

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It was the tenure of choice in the early 20th century and one to be avoided in the 1990s. Now it’s growing in popularity again. Peter Malpass charts the course of private renting through the decades

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There is little incentive for landlords to spend money creating a pleasant environment. But Penny Anderson argues that the poor standard of furnished or partly furnished accommodation is cause for real concern

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It’s not just tenants who are unhappy with the workings of the local housing allowance scheme, landlords are also clamouring for change, reports Vincent Peterson-May

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A model for successful mixed communities was created when a London mansion block was sold off 30 years ago. Rosalind Bayley describes how the experiment is still paying off. Photography by Josh Pulman

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Existing models for delivering new homes aren’t working – it’s time to develop new ideas, says Michala Beacham.

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Emma Simmonds reports from the London borough of Camden where tenants are up in arms about council plans to sell off its already inadequate housing stock.

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The single room rent restriction is 10 years old this month. Simon Ellery investigates how a pernicious policy has blighted the lives of vulnerable young people and forced them into homelessness

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Better use of the telephone can help deal with rent arrears, and avoid legal action. Mike Barry explains

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Since Notting Hill Housing Group stopped threatening tenants with eviction as soon as they failed to pay the rent, legal bills have fallen by 70 per cent – and arrears are down. Melanie Delargy reports

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Kick them out or help them pay the rent? A number of social landlords find nagging more effective than threatening eviction if they want to get their rent. Report by Melanie Delargy

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The biggest shake-up of housing benefit for years is happening in nine pathfinder areas. A flat-reate housing allowance will be paid direct to tenants. Will it help tenants make real choices about their homes, or just increase rent arrears and homelessness? Emma Hawkey kicks off a ROOF special report with alarming evidence that landlords are ready to pull out of the market

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Social landlords have a choice. Watch your arrears grow or help your tenants avoid debt. By Julian Birch

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Social landlords are facing a rising tide of 'no win no fee' legal actions in disrepair cases. But who really benefits: the tenants or the lawyers? By Melanie Delargy

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The number of possession orders obtained by social landlords has doubled in the last six years. Are they justifiably cracking down on rent arrears and anti-social behaviour - or evading their social responsibilities in the pursuit of financial targets? Melanie Delargy reports

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