What is a housing association?

There are over 2000 housing associations in England presently. They provide good quality homes with affordable rents for people who may find it difficult to get decent accommodation for a number of reasons. Perhaps they are on a low income, young or single, homeless, elderly or disabled, a minority group or have special housing needs.

Housing Associations are also known as Registered Social Landlords. They are independent not-for-profit organisations who must be registered with the Tenant Services Authority (TSA) and the Homes and Communities Agency (HCA). They come in all shapes and sizes and a committee or board of management made up of volunteers are responsible for the organisation.