Croydon Council has rolled out a free early-intervention service aimed at helping private landlords tackle problems before they escalate into eviction. The council hopes this preventative approach will ease pressure on local housing services while supporting tenants to stay in their homes.
The new service is designed to encourage landlords to seek support at the first sign of difficulties, rather than waiting until matters become more serious. By acting early, the council believes landlords can save time, money, and stress, while also preventing tenants from facing the disruption of homelessness.
Landlords who use the service can receive tailored advice on a wide range of tenancy issues. This includes guidance on resolving disputes with tenants, dealing with arrears, understanding their legal duties, and considering alternatives to eviction where possible.
Croydon Council has emphasised that many private evictions could be avoided if problems were addressed sooner. Too often, disputes are allowed to escalate until legal action is the only option. By stepping in early, the new scheme aims to provide practical solutions that work for both landlords and tenants.
The council says the benefits go far beyond financial savings. Eviction can have a devastating impact on tenants, leading to instability, stress, and in some cases, homelessness. Reducing the number of avoidable evictions will help lessen the emotional and social costs of losing a home.
The housing situation in Croydon remains particularly challenging. Figures show that over 3,600 households are currently in temporary accommodation, with more than 8,600 still on the waiting list for affordable housing. This growing demand highlights the need to prevent more families from slipping into housing insecurity.
On top of this, the council reports that it receives around 400 fresh homelessness applications every month. However, the supply of suitable homes remains extremely limited, with only a fraction of that number becoming available. This imbalance has left local services stretched to the limit.
By addressing tenancy issues before eviction notices are served, the council hopes to reduce its reliance on temporary accommodation. Keeping families in their homes wherever possible is seen as a key step towards easing the housing crisis.
The service is open to landlords who are considering issuing either Section 21 or Section 8 eviction notices. Letting agents representing landlords can also use the scheme, making it accessible to a broad range of property professionals.
To access support, landlords and agents are asked to complete an online referral form. Once submitted, the council reviews the case and works with both the landlord and tenant to explore practical options. The aim is to find a fair solution that avoids the need for court proceedings.
Where disputes cannot be easily resolved, the council offers mediation services. This allows both sides to come together in a neutral setting to discuss concerns and reach agreements without resorting to eviction.
Croydon Council believes that mediation is a powerful tool in maintaining healthy landlord-tenant relationships. By offering an impartial space for dialogue, misunderstandings can be cleared up, and workable compromises can often be achieved.
Council leaders also argue that early intervention benefits everyone involved. Landlords can avoid costly legal fees and lengthy disputes, while tenants can remain in stable accommodation. Preventing eviction at this stage is considered far less disruptive than trying to resolve the consequences afterwards.
The service reflects the council’s wider commitment to tackling homelessness and improving housing stability in the borough. Officials stress that prevention is key, and that supporting landlords to keep tenants in place is one of the most effective ways to reduce housing pressures.
By giving landlords the tools and support they need, Croydon hopes this initiative will not only cut down on unnecessary evictions but also create stronger, more resilient communities. The council is confident that this forward-thinking approach will bring lasting benefits for both landlords and tenants.