Residents' associations

Role of a residents' association

Why do you need a residents’ association? 

Some residents' associations are set up to generally protect the interests of the community and improve the local area.

A residents' association can bring people together to accomplish more than they can as individuals, as well as bring together the views of different residents to understand and address local issues.

A tenants’ associations is a formally constituted groups representing represent residents with a shared landlord, for example, the council. A tenants’ associations can:

  • have a voice in planning for the local area
  • represent the views of local people to the council or a landlord
  • be recognised as a democratically elected group and have more influence

Aims and benefits

Some residents' associations are set up to achieve a specific aim, such as

  • helping to tackle antisocial behaviour or crime
  • giving their views on planned developments in their area
  • raising funds to improve local facilities

Members of residents’ associations find:

  • they can develop a community spirit
  • individuals enjoy becoming more involved in their community
  • they can improve opportunities for people to meet socially
  • people get a sense of achievement and pride in a community that they have helped to build

Last updated: 25 April 2025