8% of Private Renters are behind on their rent

8% of Private Renters are behind on their rent

13:43 PM, 27th May 2021, About 3 years ago

Text Size

In England, the ban on most bailiff-enforced evictions comes to an end on Monday, while the notice period landlords need to give tenants will be reduced from six to four months. Citizens Advice are reporting an increasing number of private tenants are turning to them for help.

Polling conducted by ICM Unlimited for Citizens Advice also shows that in the UK:

Almost 1 in 10 private renters (8%) are behind on their rent. This equates to over 350,000 tenants across the country.

The average amount of arrears owed has risen by 24% in the last few months from £730 in November 2020 to £907 in April 2021.

For most private tenants, only those at the end of a long legal process will face imminent eviction. Then there is still 14 days’ notice before the final stage, which is the bailiffs attending.

There were some circumstances in which evictions were allowed to take place while the ban was in place – including more than six months of rent arrears.

Dame Clare Moriarty, Chief Executive of Citizens Advice, said: “Next week, the sticking plaster applied to the English private rented sector during the pandemic will be ripped off. Ending the eviction ban puts thousands of renters at risk of losing their home. The government should put in place a system of grants and government-backed loans for renters in England who are still financially struggling because of Covid-19.

“The lack of security renters in England will face from Monday is a symptom of a longer term problem where tenants can be evicted without cause. The government has committed to ending no-fault evictions and it’s vital this is urgently enshrined in law in their forthcoming reforms to the private rented sector. “


Share This Article


Leave Comments

In order to post comments you will need to Sign In or Sign Up for a FREE Membership

or

Don't have an account? Sign Up

Landlord Tax Planning Book Now