What is a TRA?

A Tenants and Residents Association is formed by a group of residents living on an estate or in a street(s) who come together to form an Association to make their area a better place to live in.

A TRA gives residents more say in how their estate is run and allows them to work with the council to find solutions to problems affecting their area. A TRA can also be a way to organise events and activities for all residents to enjoy.

What are the benefits of maintaining a Tenants and Residents Association?

A TRA can bring many advantages for you and your neighbours. TRAs can:

  • provide residents with an effective way to make their views known to the council and other organisations, and give them a greater say in how their estate and street is managed
  • address issues of concern to the whole community by working with the council to find solutions
  • raise funds for their community
  • provide information to residents about local issues
  • develop a good community spirit, helping neighbours to get to know each other
  • organise social projects and events for the local community
  • bring a sense of achievement to those involved in running a group
  • give people a chance to meet new people, gain invaluable experience, access training and gain new skills
  • meet with the council to discuss the concerns and problems raised by residents and work together to find solutions
  • recommend how the council spends money in their local area.

TRAs can play a proactive role by campaigning for changes and developments before the local authority has even begun to consider them. Using their local knowledge, residents will often know the requirements of an estate better than staff when it comes to play areas, car parking and other estate facilities.

Ultimately, having a TRA  gives residents a collective voice to address the local authority so that its concerns can be heard.

Further erading: Hackney Homes Tenant and Resident Associations Resource Handbook (PDF)

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