There is a caravan on the parallel road along the A50 near Uden. The resident ended up on the street due to significant rent arrears. “A sad thing. We really don’t just put anyone on the street,” says Sandra van Gerwen, spokeswoman for the AREA housing association in Uden. What steps does a housing company take before someone has to leave their rental home?
An eviction by a housing association is often preceded by sad and unpleasant events. These are stories that cannot always be told due to privacy rules. When it comes to rent arrears, a corporation does not make such a drastic decision overnight.
“Many people rely on us for affordable rental housing. We do our utmost to help people who are in difficulty. For this purpose, we work together with all kinds of healthcare institutions,” Sandra explains.
What does a corporation do in case of rent arrears?
Payment arrangement
In the event of rent arrears, the tenant will initially receive a reminder. This will be followed by a reminder. “We also contact the tenant personally to agree on a payment arrangement. Such an arrangement generally works well. We also inform the municipality.”
Bailiff
Then the bailiff comes into the picture. Even then, a payment arrangement can be made and the rent arrears can be paid without additional costs.
Deportation procedure
The next step involves starting a procedure to summon the tenant. The tenant still has the right to speak. The corporation must demonstrate to the court why the tenant should be evicted.
Help from municipality
Very often it doesn’t get to that point. Tenants then seek help and support from the municipality to get their lives back on track. A tenant can then continue to live. Has the rental contract already been terminated? The tenant can then get a home from AREA again, but with additional agreements.
Sometimes the house is closed due to nuisance or by the mayor. “In that case, the tenant in question will not be eligible for a home at AREA for three years.”