The impact of COVID-19 on tenants, their household finances and the issue of eviction are the focus of a new research project at the University of Hull.
Dr Lisa Whitehouse, Reader in Law, and her research team are collecting unique data from landlords and debt advisers as well as those threatened with eviction and the legal practitioners who advise them.
Dr Whitehouse said: “It’s crucial that we listen to and learn from those involved in the arrears and eviction process if we are to create a system fit for the post-pandemic future.”
The project looks to answer these specific questions:
- What risks and challenges has the pandemic posed for the court system in England and Wales?
- What measures have been implemented in the court system to address the impact of the pandemic?
- How effective has that response been and what aspects of the new legal regime might we want to retain for the future?
The project is funded by the Economic and Social Research Council. The EDRC carries out research on social economic issues, supporting independent projects that impact businesses, the public sector and civil society.
There will be the option for the tenants and mortgage borrowers to complete a short survey.
Dr Whitehouse said:
“The comments from tenants, landlords and debt advisors will be used to inform the project’s findings and outputs which, will hopefully, play a vital role in reforming the eviction process and help some families keep their homes.”
The findings of the project will be shared with occupiers, legal practitioners, academics, policy makers and government agencies with a view to making a significant contribution to the development of a legal process that is fit for the post-pandemic future.
More information about the project and its findings can be found here.