Only 49% of landlords say they have received full rent payments

Only 49% of landlords say they have received full rent payments

9:03 AM, 16th September 2020, About 4 years ago

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A survey of 1200 landlords carried out by Hamilton Fraser has revealed that since March 2020, when COVID-19 lockdown rules were introduced, 43% of landlords have been contacted by their tenants to say they will struggle to pay rent and only 49% of landlords have received full rent payments.

More than a quarter of landlords (27%) have received 75% or more of rent, 9% have received 50% or less and 15% have received nothing at all.

Of those that landlords who have been contacted by their tenants regarding rent payments, 75% have agreed a payment plan, such as a rent reduction or payment holiday.

However, six months on from the start of the pandemic, and with little end in sight, it is clear that landlord confidence is starting to wane, with many unable to continue supporting tenants in the long term and 23% considering selling a property before the end of the stamp duty holiday on 31 March 2021.

Paul Shamplina, Brand Ambassador for Hamilton Fraser, said:

“Given the severity of the circumstances and rising unemployment, it’s no surprise that more than 50% of tenants have been unable to pay their rent in full or at all.  However, it is clear that the vast majority of landlords have done everything they can to offer support and sustain tenancies. The question is how long can that last for? Many landlords are also struggling financially, owing to reduced or loss of employment, and simply don’t have the means to subsidise rents, that they rely on, indefinitely.

“What is most concerning, is that the true scale of rent arrears and impact of the last six months will not be realised until the end of the furlough scheme in October.”

Contact Landlord Action

Specialists in tenant eviction and debt collection. Regulated by The Law Society.



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