Equity: Addressing Barriers to Support

by | Mar 27, 2025

Equity goes beyond equality by recognizing that different individuals face different challenges. While equality provides the same resources to all, equity ensures that people receive the specific support they need to succeed. In supported accommodation, equity means providing tailored assistance to individuals who may experience additional barriers, such as, but not limited to people with disabilities, refugees, LGBTQ+ individuals, or those struggling with mental health conditions. 

  

Equitable practices in supported housing may include: 

  • Ensuring wheelchair accessibility and disability-friendly accommodations 
  • Offering mental health and trauma-informed resources in the areas of our properties for additional support. 
  • Addressing gender-specific needs, such as safe housing/female only/self-contained accommodation for domestic abuse survivors 
  • Upholding policies and procedures that prevent adversity in diversity 

  

Inclusion: Fostering a Sense of Belonging 

Inclusion ensures that all individuals in supported accommodation feel respected, heard, and valued. A truly inclusive environment fosters a sense of belonging, which is essential for individuals rebuilding their lives after homelessness.  

  

As social housing providers and dealing with individuals with complex needs such as schizophrenia, mental health disorders or antisocial behaviours, we occassionally have to intervene in cases of conflict between flatmates, it is our responsibility to ensure that all parties involved can speak to us without receiving any judgement, and we can then report back issues to the council for decision-making or potential intervention. 

  

Creating an inclusive space involves: 

  • Encouraging resident participation in feedback and conflict resolution 
  • Providing training to staff and advocating for participation of DEI workshops, webinars and relevant resources available 
  • Establishing clear anti-discrimination policies 

 

Committing to DEI 

Diversity, equity, and inclusion are not just ideals but essential components of effective social housing. By committing to DEI, accommodation providers can create environments where all individuals—regardless of their background—receive the support and respect they deserve. This commitment ultimately leads to more successful outcomes, helping residents rebuild their lives with dignity and hope. 

At Living Concepts, we’ve seen just about everything when it comes to tenants moving out of a property.

From curtains being packed up with the last box to carpets mysteriously disappearing, it’s safe to say nothing surprises us anymore. But while it may feel harmless to take an item you’ve grown fond of, the consequences can be far greater than most tenants realise.

 

What Belongs to the Property, Stays with the Property

When you move into a rental home, many fixtures and fittings – such as carpets, curtains, blinds, appliances, or even garden features – are part of the property. Unless you personally installed them (with the landlord’s written consent) and have a prior agreement to remove them, these items must remain when you move out.

Think of it this way: if you didn’t bring it with you on day one, you probably shouldn’t take it on the last.

 

Why Tenants Sometimes Do It

We understand the reasoning – sometimes it’s a misunderstanding, sometimes it’s sentimental, and occasionally it’s frustration with the landlord.

But whether it’s intentional or accidental, removing items that belong to the property is legally considered theft and can have long-term consequences.

 

The Consequences of Taking What’s Not Yours

    • Deposit Deductions: The cost of replacing missing items is usually taken straight from your deposit – often at a higher cost than what you’d expect.
    • Additional Charges: If the replacement exceeds your deposit, landlords can pursue further payment, even through legal channels.
    • Loss of References: A poor reference from a landlord can make securing your next rental significantly harder.
    • Legal Action: In extreme cases, removing items from a property can be treated as theft – a risk no tenant should be willing to take.

A Better Way Forward

If you’ve grown attached to the curtains or furniture, or perhaps invested in your own upgrades during your tenancy, speak to your landlord before moving out. In many cases, they may be open to negotiation: you could replace the item with your own, buy the existing one at a fair price, or agree to leave improvements in place.

 

Our Advice to Tenants

    • Do a walkthrough: Before moving, walk through the property with your inventory report in hand. Double-check what needs to stay.
    • Ask questions: If in doubt, ask your landlord or agent – it’s always better to clarify than assume.
    • Leave the property as you found it: Think back to move-in day. That’s your benchmark for move-out day.

At Living Concepts, we encourage respectful landlord–tenant relationships.

Leaving a property in good condition and with all its fixtures intact not only protects your deposit, but also your reputation as a tenant.

After all, moving out is a fresh start – why risk carrying unnecessary baggage with you?