Homematters2 aims to improve the lives of people in housing debt and at threat of eviction, and wants to hear from people who’ve experienced these situations. Following the Covid-19 pandemic and the onset of the cost-of-living crisis, the affordability of everyday necessities is at the forefront of many peoples’ minds.

For those on the margins of affordability, paying their rent or mortgage payments could become a real struggle, potentially putting their home at risk. Funded by the abrdn Financial Fairness Trust, this project, led by Professor Lisa Whitehouse of the University of Southampton Law School, will identify ways to improve meaningful communication between people in housing debt and their housing provider, reducing the likelihood of court proceedings and eviction.

The researchers want to listen to those directly affected by housing debt, their experiences of being in debt, and their views on how the process of getting help could be made easier. The team invites anyone who is currently, or has ever been in housing debt, whether as a homeowner or as someone renting in the social housing or private rented sectors to take part in a nationwide survey at https://tinyurl.com/homematters2.

The survey should take no more than 15 minutes to complete, and all responses are completely anonymous. The deadline for responses is 31 July 2023.

If you have any questions, you are welcome to contact the project team at homematters@soton.ac.uk. Have your voice heard and help us to make sure that those involved in the eviction process know how much home matters.

Thank you very much for your interest!