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For nearly two years the COVID-19 pandemic

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has caused massive human and economic harm on a global scale

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 and the recovery will require immense investments,

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both financially and on a human level.

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<i>As a result of loss of income, many tenants have faced evictions,</i>

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<i>rent arrears and some even homelessness.</i>

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Housing prices have continued to rise

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 and households spend an increasing share

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of their income on rent.

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<i>These challenges are no longer faced only</i>

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<i>by the low-income households </i>

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<i>but also middle-income households.</i>

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<i>There’s an urgent need for renewed public and private investment</i>

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<i>in affordable, and sustainable housing. </i>

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In the light of these challenges,

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 the IUT recommends the following measures be taken:

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We support the introduction of security of tenure, 

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rent stabilisation and rent controls.

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These measures combined will help establish indefinite duration of tenancies

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as well as safeguards from eviction.

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Moratoriums on evictions must continue,

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temporary contracts extended automatically,

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rent arrears settled through equitable payment plans 

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and solidarity funds put in place to support

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tenants facing financial hardship.

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Overcrowding has been a key factor in the spread of the pandemic,

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highlighting the importance of minimum housing standards,

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planned maintenance and renovation of people’s homes. 

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<i>Tenants should not have to absorb the cost</i>
<i>of renovation through rent hikes. </i>

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<i>And social and climate policies are needed to fight renovictions.</i>

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Where possible, governments should set up recovery funds

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to facilitate the construction and development of new homes.

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With regard to the continuous improvement of housing under the Paris agreement

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and in line with the UN Sustainability goals,

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housing cost neutrality should be the cornerstone of housing policy.

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<i>Building of new homes must be made a priority.</i>

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<i>In addition to offering tenants affordability, safety and livability, </i>

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<i>these homes must meet environmental standards to lower energy consumption</i>

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<i>and increase recycling in order to promote</i>
<i>a culture of awareness and sustainability.</i>

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As the world’s leading international tenants’ organization,

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the IUT is committed to defending and promoting

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affordable, decent and sustainable housing across the world.

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<i>The focus should be on the needs of citizens</i>
<i>for more affordable housing</i>

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<i>rather than letting short-term speculative</i>
<i>practices dominate the property market.</i>

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The goal of housing policy should be housing for the many

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not home ownership for the few.

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We believe that a safe, secure and fair rental market

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is one of the safeguards for peace, security, and prosperity,

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a fundamental pillar in all societies.