NHC Outlines Programme To Strengthen Estate Maintenance & Financial Sustainability

The National Housing Corporation (NHC) has noted the recent public comments regarding the maintenance of housing units within a number of its housing developments. 

The Corporation welcomes constructive dialogue and remains committed to working collaboratively with Members of Parliament, community representatives and tenants to improve the condition, sustainability and management of Barbados’ public housing stock.

It is, however, important that the public is provided with the full context within which the Corporation operates. The Board of Directors has already approved a comprehensive Policy for the Collection of Rents, Loan Payments and Arrears together with a broader debt recovery framework, both of which have been submitted to Cabinet for consideration as part of a comprehensive programme of reform.

The facts at a glance

• Overall receivables portfolio: approximately BBD $20.3 million.
• Rental and property receivables: approximately BBD $10.9 million.
• Loan receivables: approximately BBD $7.0 million.
• Programme receivables: in excess of BBD $2.4 million.
• A substantial proportion of these arrears has accumulated over many years.
• Revenue collected is used to fund estate maintenance, repairs, infrastructure improvements and investment in public housing.

As at 31 May 2026, the Corporation is managing an overall receivables portfolio of approximately BBD $20.3 million, representing public funds intended to support the maintenance, repair and continued development of Barbados’s public housing stock.

A substantial proportion of these receivables has accumulated over many years. While many tenants and borrowers continue to honour their obligations, there are also significant levels of long-standing arrears across several categories of accounts. Every dollar that remains outstanding reduces the Corporation’s ability to undertake repairs, improve infrastructure, maintain estates, meet operational commitments and invest in additional housing opportunities.

The NHC fully acknowledges and appreciates that many tenants faithfully honour their obligations by paying their rent on time. Those tenants are entitled to expect that the Corporation will continue to prioritise maintenance based on available resources, health and safety considerations and operational need. Every dollar successfully recovered is a dollar that can be reinvested directly into roof repairs, plumbing, electrical works, drainage improvements, roads, landscaping and the general upkeep of the Corporation’s housing developments.

The Corporation must also acknowledge a longstanding operational reality. The NHC is frequently called upon to intensify rent collection and improve maintenance standards simultaneously. However, when recovery action is commenced against tenants who have fallen into significant arrears, it is not uncommon for representations to be made requesting that such action be deferred, suspended or discontinued. 

While every representation is carefully considered in the interests of fairness and compassion, repeated intervention inevitably affects the Corporation’s ability to maintain a consistent collections programme, preserve payment discipline and generate the revenue required to maintain and improve its housing stock.

Recognising these challenges, the Board has approved a comprehensive Policy for the Collection of Rents, Loan Payments and Arrears establishing structured account validation, debtor engagement, repayment arrangements, hardship assessment, strengthened governance, enhanced reporting and a disciplined approach to improving collections while protecting genuinely vulnerable persons. These reforms have been submitted to Cabinet and, subject to Cabinet’s consideration, it is anticipated that implementation will commence in the near future.

The Corporation wishes to emphasise that these reforms are intended to distinguish between those who are genuinely unable to pay and those who have the financial capacity to meet their obligations but have chosen not to do so.

The National Housing Corporation respectfully invites all stakeholders, including Members of Parliament, to support a balanced and consistent approach that protects genuinely vulnerable tenants while recognising that sustainable maintenance of public housing depends upon responsible financial management, timely payment by those who are able to pay and consistent support for the fair enforcement of tenant obligations. 

The Corporation remains committed to transparency, accountability and constructive engagement. Where statements are made publicly concerning its operations, the NHC has a responsibility to ensure that the public is provided with accurate, balanced and complete information. 

The Corporation looks forward to continuing to work collaboratively with Members of Parliament, tenants and communities in advancing the shared objective of providing safe, well-maintained and sustainable public housing for the people of Barbados. (PR/GIS)