Rewarding Good Residents

A new scheme is being introduced by Erimus Housing, designed to reward residents for good behaviour and encourage customer loyalty.

The new initiative also aims to increase the amount of rent collected, reduce tenant arrears, reduce re-let times and encourage people to stay with Erimus Housing.

The 12-month pilot scheme, due to be introduced in July, will involve:

• Quarterly prize draws of £100 per area for people who do not fall into rent arrears over a 12 week period or owe money for any other reason to Erimus Housing such as rechargeable repairs, former tenants or garage arrears.
• There will also be an additional prize draw for a hamper for Christmas.

Any customer whose rent account is only in arrears due to the four weekly cycles of housing benefit will be included in the draw.

A ‘golden goodbye’ is also being launched, which will centre on tenants who have to terminate their tenancy. Residents will be encouraged to:

• Give four weeks notice and allow accompanied viewings while they still live in the property
• Leave the property in excellent condition
• Allow a pre-termination inspection and allow minor repairs to be carried out during the notice period

Residents will be awarded £25 for complying with each of these elements, although if they owe Erimus Housing any money, it will be paid direct to their account in order to clear or reduce any debt to the company.

Bob Brady, Chair of the Erimus Housing Board, said: “We have listened to the views of our residents who have been asking for a scheme to be introduced since stock transfer and have consulted with them on the type and range of rewards and incentives we should introduce. The introduction of this reward scheme is a positive first step.

“If the scheme proves to be successful we will look to increase the number and range of rewards and incentives available to Erimus Housing tenants in the future.”