What is Tenancy Sustainment?
The Tenancy Sustainment Service is provided to you by a Tenancy Sustainment Officer who is employed by Cannock Chase Council. This is a free service to help new and existing Council tenants who are finding it difficult to manage and maintain their tenancy or who are at risk of losing their home. There will be no specific time period that the Service is offered; it will be tailored to meet the specific needs of the tenant to assist them with maintaining and sustaining the tenancy. Tenants are unable to self refer direct, but if you need advice or further information about the Service, please contact Cannock Chase Council on 01543 462621 or email the Tenancy Sustainment Team at tenancysustainment@cannockchasedc.gov.uk
For further information please see our Tenancy Sustainment Service Leaflet.
Tenancy Sustainment: Refers to the ability of tenants to maintain their housing, supported by interventions and services that address financial, social and personal challenges. It is a critical aspect of housing management, particularly as failed tenancies can lead to homelessness, financial strain and community disruption. The Service involves ensuring that tenants can remain in their homes by addressing factor that may threaten their tenancy, such as rent arrears, health issues or social challenges.
Support & Engagement: Effective tenancy sustainment relies on proactive engagement with the tenant. This includes clear communication, and support referrals to specialist services when needed. Providing a combination of financial advice, mental health support and practical assistance helps tenants manage challenges that could threaten their tenancy.
Behavioural Approaches: To understand tenants behaviour in terms of vulnerability, capability, opportunity and motivation, enabling targeting interventions to prevent arrears and tenancy breakdown.
Pre-Tenancy: Educating tenants on tenancy responsibilities and independent living skills can improve the tenants ability to sustain a tenancy, especially for first time tenants.
Partnership working: We work with local agencies, charities and support networks to sign post tenants to have access to a full range of services needed to sustain a tenancy.
The Housing Options Team can also assist with sustaining a tenancy.
Hardship
Many of our tenants will experience hardship at some point during our lives and it can happen to anyone.
Our Tenancy Sustainment Officers offer confidential advice and guidance and can put you in touch with a range of support services. If you need help, we can complete a referral form to apply for our hardship fund.
Our Officers are available to assist you and provide you with advice. They can complete an income and expenditure form with you. Our Officers will also provide assistance and give you advice with rent arrears, applying for benefits including Universal Credit, budgeting, applications for grant schemes, and access to low cost furniture.
2023/24 - Total spend = £7,500
2024/25 - Total spend = £13,956
2025/26 - Total spend = £12,885