Security of tenure

Security of tenure is one of the cornerstones of the right to adequate housing.

Worldwide, some two billion people live in homes without adequate security of tenure, leaving them vulnerable to arbitrary forced eviction, harassment and other threats. Most informal settlements and communities lack legal security of tenure.

With the rapidly accelerating rates of urbanization in most parts of the world, the problems of lack of tenure security are growing geometrically.

COHRE calls on all governments to:

• ensure legal security of tenure for all people and households who currently lack such protection;

• ensure that any housing rights violations by "third parties", such as landlords or property developers, are prevented;

• protect residents, by legislation and other measures, from discrimination, harassment, withdrawal of services or other threats;