Recent research by Dr Hannah Absalom of Inlogov gives another
perspective on the topics covered by the Knowing Our Homes
project. She shows that home visits by landlord
representatives are a common occurrence in social housing, yet the
emotional impact of these encounters on tenants is often
overlooked. While landlords focus on property conditions, tenancy
issues, and behavioural compliance, tenants experience these visits
in deeply personal ways, with emotions ranging from anxiety and
mistrust to feelings of invasion and belittlement. Her research
explores the hidden emotional effects of home encounters and offers
actionable steps social landlords can take to make these visits
more positive experiences for tenants.
Her recommendations, in common with those in the Knowing Our
Homes report, focus on clear communication from the landlord about
the purpose of a visit and how the information will be used,
respect for residents, the importance of trust, and the need for
appropriate staff training.