Muir's Income Services Officers say: 'Being able to offer help is our primary concern'
MUIR’S Income Services Officers spend a lot of time engaging with tenants to help them get the assistance they need when money gets tight.
Many tenants who find themselves with rent arrears may feel that their landlord is the last person they can turn to for help.
However, at Muir our Income Services Officers agree that the most satisfying part of their job is being able to provide that help when it is most needed.
Stacey Parker and Graham Dean are both ISOs who work at Muir’s Huntingdon office in Cambridgeshire.
Each day they engage with residents who have arrears or may find themselves in financial difficulties in order to help them sustain their tenancies and find new ways of managing their money.
Muir took some time out to feature Stacey and Graham in their roles and find out exactly why it is a good option for residents to engage with the housing association in times of money worries.
Twenty-six-year-old Stacey (pictured right) has been working at Muir for seven months and said: “Although ISOs help to collect rent, we are actually here to help in any way we can.
“We want to identify people who are struggling so that we can assist them and so they don’t feel as though they have to face their money worries alone.
“I have been able to build a good rapport with lots of tenants who have made contact with me.
“Being able to offer help is our primary concern.
“We are happy to make face-to-face visits and build a positive relationship with people who get to understand that we are empathetic as a landlord.
“We can put new payment schedules in place and refer tenants to our Money Advisors who can help them get extra benefits they may be entitled to, and find ways to save on their household bills which can make a big difference.”
By gaining the trust of residents, Stacey and Graham have been able to ensure people can put some of their money worries behind them.
“We don’t want people to be sat at home worrying that they might be evicted when we are able to help and give them support,” said Graham (left), 46, who has worked at Muir for more than 14 years.
“Muir helps many residents to sort out money issues so they can afford to make their rent payments, but it is important that people engage with us and let us know they are having problems in order to do that.
“I go out to speak with tenants when needed but I also do a lot of work over the telephone.
“The things we can achieve, with the help of Muir’s Money Advisors and Citizens Advice, can have a massive positive impact on people’s lives.
“It can improve their quality of life by helping them to take control of their money.
“Over the years I have built up a good relationship with so many tenants and now they know they can call me if they have a problem.
“It is very satisfying when I can help residents get through difficult times,” Graham added.
If you are concerned about your ability to make your rent payment, or have arrears, you are welcome to contact Muir and engage with our Income Services Officers to help you overcome them.
They can also put you in touch with our Money Advisors who can find ways to help you make the most of your money.
Remember, we can’t help unless we know there is a problem, so feel free to call us for free, and in confidence, on 0300 123 1222 and get the help you need.