Tenants: Our promise to you

I’d like to reassure all tenants about our pledge to you as the Government lifts more pandemic lockdown rules.

From June 1st, rules preventing landlords from enforcing eviction notices will be lifted.

Bernicia is a not-for-profit landlord, and we are committed to keeping people in their homes, working with tenants to help resolve their financial issues.

So here’s our pledge to tenants:

• Keeping people secure at home. No one will be evicted from their home as a result of financial hardship caused by the pandemic, providing they are working or engaging with us to get their payments back on track.
• Helping people get the support they need. We’ll help residents to access benefits and other support to alleviate financial hardship, including supporting people into work where possible
• Acting compassionately and quickly where people are struggling. We’ll continue working with tenants to understand how we can help. Any resident worried about paying their rent should contact us straight away for assistance.

We recognise that the pandemic has caused far-reaching financial problems for many people which will last for years.

This will place real strain on household budgets. We know that many of our tenants are on low incomes and money worries are all too real.

That’s why we’re committed to doing everything we can to support tenants now and into the future.

If you can’t pay your rent and fall into arrears, please don’t hesitate to contact our customer service advice team on 0344 800 3800.

We’ll do everything we can to help you stay in your home.

Bernicia will only seek to evict tenants in serious cases and as a last resort.

We’re here to help, so please let us know straight away if you’re struggling.

Thank you.

John Johnston.

Bernicia Chief Executive.