Support for benefits to cover private rents during emergency

Support for benefits to cover private rents during emergency

13:53 PM, 22nd April 2020, About 5 years ago 6

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The NRLA has supported calls from the Mayor of London to ensure the benefits system covers the cost of private rents for those tenants adversely affected by coronavirus.

In a statement Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association said: “Recent polling has indicated that just 2% of private tenants have had to stop paying rent due to the pandemic whilst 78% have not had to make any changes to their living situation. This shows that the vast majority of tenancies are continuing as normal which we welcome.

“For those tenants who are struggling, by far the best solution is to ensure they are supported to prevent arrears building. We therefore welcome the Mayor’s calls to increase the Local Housing Allowance. In addition, we repeat our call on the Government to scrap the five week wait for the first payment of Universal Credit immediately and ensure tenants can have the housing element of the Credit paid directly to their landlord if they wish.

“This would provide tenants and landlords with the confidence that rents are covered and debts will not arise.”

Looking to the future, Beadle said: “Whilst the current situation is challenging for everyone, we need to avoid frightening households needlessly about the security of their homes. The vast majority of landlords are doing everything possible to support their tenants and sustain their tenancies at this difficult time. We will continue to ensure they have all the guidance and support they need to continue to do so both now and into the future.”


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Rob Thomas

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11:33 AM, 23rd April 2020, About 5 years ago

The NRLA says "Recent polling has indicated that just 2% of private tenants have had to stop paying rent due to the pandemic": I don't know where these figures come from but they are simply not believable.

We know from UK Finance figures that 11% of mortgage borrowers have asked for a payment deferral on their mortgage (the so-called 'holiday'). Why would 11% of mortgage borrowers be unable to pay their mortgage but only 2% of tenants be unable to pay their rent. That makes little sense and doesn't accord with my experience (I consider myself lucky compared to some landlords as 75% of my tenants are still paying the full rent but out of 20 I've got 2 that have left and 3 that have asked for and been given a temporary rent reduction).

Ingrid Bacsa

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13:19 PM, 23rd April 2020, About 5 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Rob Thomas at 23/04/2020 - 11:33
I agree. 2% WHERE IS THAT? Hundreds of tenants are pulling one and scoffing at their landlords from all the posts Ive read.

Dylan Morris

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13:34 PM, 23rd April 2020, About 5 years ago

The reply Jeremy Beadle’s going to get from the Mayor is.................
if only 2% aren’t paying there’s not much of a problem ?

Mick Roberts

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17:15 PM, 23rd April 2020, About 5 years ago

I've just put the below in another post which relates to some of the comments on here.

As soon as Corbyn opened his mouth & said tenants need a rent holiday, that was me and many other Landlords thought U know what, I've had enough, when mine come empty, another reason to sell. The less sympathetic, compassionate, no morals no conscience Landlord may have gave notice just after those words.
One reason too many to push another so many too far.

Elisabeth Beckett

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8:36 AM, 24th April 2020, About 5 years ago

Sorry ...what polling did the NLR a do to get 2%? I’ve had 30% leave and go back to their own countries in Europe. Very little chance of getting any rent from most and unlikely that the legal system will reach to France Spain Italy and Greece to bother spending money trying to pursue it. 2% is nonsense.

Ingrid Bacsa

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10:25 AM, 24th April 2020, About 5 years ago

Reply to the comment left by Elisabeth Beckett at 24/04/2020 - 08:36
Yes. The government have reduced deposits to a max of 6 weeks and allowed 12 weeks free!
In any event, chasing up through legal means when they have moved out is futile. Chasing up whilst they are still in their home is going to cause agro as well. So choose and loose!

The NLA are a bit like CQC: they foster a warm congenial relationship with government, presumably to keep their own financial obligations down and an agreeable foot on the knowlege base.

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