States must take ‘extraordinary measures’ on housing to fight coronavirus, says UN rapporteur

She listed the following actions for states to take in response to the outbreak of the virus, for those in shelters or inadequate housing:

• cease all evictions
• provide emergency housing with services for those who are affected by the virus and must isolate themselves
• ensure that the enforcement of containment measures (eg curfews) does not lead to the punishment of anyone based on their housing status
• provide equal access to testing and healthcare
• provide adequate housing which may require the implementation of extraordinary measures as appropriate in a state of emergency, including using vacant and abandoned units and available short-term rentals

For those facing job loss and economic hardship she recommended:

• provide direct financial assistance for or defer rental and mortgage payments
• enact a moratorium on evictions due to arrears
• introduce rental stabilisation or reduction measures
• at least for the duration of the pandemic, suspend utility costs and surcharges

She said these actions are necessary not just to protect these groups but to slow the spread of the disease, which has already killed thousands globally.

The UK government has announced £3.2m for homelessness shelters and a mortgage holiday for homeowners in difficulty, but it is yet to reveal any specific relief for renters.

Ms Farha said: “Housing has become the frontline defence against the coronavirus. Home has rarely been more of a life or death situation.

“I am deeply concerned about two specific population groups: those living in emergency shelters and informal settlements, and those facing job loss and economic hardship which could result in mortgage and rental arrears and evictions.”

Approximately 1.8 billion people worldwide are homeless or live in grossly inadequate housing, often in overcrowded conditions, lacking access to water and sanitation. This makes them particularly vulnerable to coronavirus, as they are often suffering from multiple health issues.

She added: “I am urging states to take extraordinary measures to secure the right to housing for all to protect against the pandemic.

“Good practices are emerging in a few states, including: moratoriums on evictions due to rental and mortgage arrears; deferrals of mortgage payments for those affected by the virus; extension of winter moratoriums on forced evictions of informal settlements; and increased access to sanitation and emergency shelter spaces for homeless people.”