{"markup":"<p><span>A residents’ association (RA) is a group of people from a specific area who come together to address local issues and represent their community. They need to follow specific rules to ensure they are including all residents of a particular block/area in decision making. They can then act as a voice for their block when bringing issues to ISHA and undertake projects to improve their community. </span></p>","blocks":{"contentData":[],"settingsData":[]}}
What are the benefits of starting a residents’ association?
There are a number of benefits of starting a residents’ association:
- A residents' association has a more powerful voice and influence in than one individual voice.
- The residents' association can meet with ISHA to discuss issues of concern and seek to get them dealt with.
- You can meet people from your estate / area and organise social events.
- You will be building up the community spirit of your estate.
- The residents' association enables people on the same estate / area to share experiences, skills and knowledge.
- You can obtain grants from the ISHA or other grant giving bodies.
- Residents' associations can become the main local body for consultation when the council or developers undertake major projects.
How to set up a residents’ association
Speak with your neighbours – put up a notice in the common areas, or speak with ISHA to explore alternative options to contact your neighbours and bring them together for a discussion. You can contact our Involvement Team for help.
- Agree with your interested neighbours to hold an official meeting (online or in-person) .
- At the official meeting:
- get agreement for the formation of the group
- name the group
- elect a committee (chair, vice chair, treasurer, secretary)
- decide on the aims of the group
- forward the minutes of the meeting to ISHA.
- Formalities:
- A constitution will need to be written and agreed upon (ISHA has a template for this).
- Create an email address for the tenants and resident association (TRA).
- Open a bank account for the tenants and resident association.
How can ISHA help?
After the residents' association is officially recognised, ISHA will provide:
- a £200 set up grant .
- a £100 annual grant (each year thereafter) .
- annual Zoom account for the chair of the TRA (you must use a TRA email account, not a personal one) .
- printing and admin services .
- a board room venue for in-person meetings.
If you would like to know more about getting involved, contact our Resident Involvement Team