We already know through our work with Crusaid that poor quality housing can have a seriously detrimental effect on people living with HIV - especially when those people have health problems associated with their status.

The policy report Housing and HIV reveals evidence of poor practice in housing provision for people with HIV.  It finds people living with HIV are struggling to cope with the impact of poor housing and many housing professionals have little understanding of HIV.   The report sets out key policy recommendations on housing provision for people with HIV.

We are calling for people living with HIV to be treated as a priority for access to social housing, as well as a continuation of funding for dedicated services to meet the housing needs of people living with HIV.   The report also called for guidance on HIV for housing professionals.

As a result of this NAT, in partnership with Shelter, produced HIV and housing: a practical guide. This guidance is designed primarily for housing officers, especially those who assess housing  and homelessness applications.  The guide explains the impact HIV has on housing needs, with a particular focus on treatment adherence and the fluctuating nature of the condition.

To find out more about the interaction between HIV, poverty and housing see the report we produced jointly with Crusaid, Poverty and HIV.

NAT also did a presentation called What are the housing needs of people living with HIV? for the Hestia Housing and Support World AIDS Day event in November 2009.

To share your thoughts on HIV and housing please contact policyandcampaigns@nat.org.uk