Landlord and Tenant Rescued from Seemingly Impossible Financial Predicament

When financial pressures mount, it’s easy to feel like there’s no way out. But this story shows that even the toughest situations can have a positive outcome when landlords and tenants work together.

Just last month, an East-Anglian-based landlord approached me, facing what seemed like an impossible choice. She had just informed her tenant—a disabled single mother with a teenager and two adult children still living at home—that she needed to increase the rent by £500 a month to cover her rising costs. The alternative? Serving notice and selling the property with vacant possession, as current market conditions made selling a tenanted property unlikely.

“I was at my wit’s end,” the landlord shared. “Raising the rent was the last thing I wanted to do, but I simply couldn’t keep up with the mortgage payments any longer.”

The tenant was understandably distraught. The bungalow was more than just a place to live; it was a lifeline. Ideally located opposite a supermarket with a bus stop right outside, it had been specially adapted with a grant-funded bathroom conversion to meet her needs. She had lived there for 18 years, and it held countless cherished memories.

“When I got the notice about the rent increase, I felt like my whole world was falling apart,” the tenant confided. “This home means everything to me and my family. I couldn’t imagine leaving it.”

The landlord was equally distressed. This wasn’t about squeezing more money out of her tenant; her mortgage payments had nearly doubled, and she was losing sleep over the thought of serving notice. The property had once been her family home, and she had always intended for it to be a legacy for her grandchildren. The idea of selling it was heartbreaking.

But rather than resigning herself to this fate, she sought help—and together, we found a way forward:

✅ First, we carefully reviewed the tenant’s financial situation and discovered she was eligible for an additional uplift in Universal Credit.

✅ Next, we engaged with the local council to secure further assistance with the rent.

✅ Finally, we applied for a Discretionary Housing Payment to bridge the remaining gap.

“When Denzel explained the options, I felt like a huge weight had been lifted off my shoulders,” the landlord said. “We found a way to make it work without having to evict anyone or sell the property.”

The result? The tenant was able to remain in her beloved home, renewing her tenancy for another 24 months, while the landlord avoided the distressing prospect of serving notice and selling her former family home.

“I’m so relieved,” the tenant said, tears in her eyes. “I can’t thank Denzel and my landlord enough for helping us stay in our home.”

This isn’t just a one-off success story—it’s a powerful reminder that landlords don’t have to face financial challenges alone. If you’re a landlord or letting agent under pressure, remember that help is available. Our service is free, and we work with clients across the country to find the best solutions.

I’m Denzel, CEO of Social Housing Options. Even in the most difficult times, there are solutions. Don’t wait until it’s too late—fill in the form below for a no-obligation chat. We’re here to support you.

Share This Article