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INDUSTRY NEWS

Government needs to get a grip of Covid rent crisis

Rhianna Abrey 14 February 2021

Responding to the Government’s announcement of an extension to the ban on the enforcement of most residential repossessions in England until 31st March, Ben Beadle, Chief Executive of the National Residential Landlords Association said:

“Today’s announcement does nothing to help over 800,000 private renters who have built rent arrears since lockdown measures started last year. It means debts will continue to mount to the point where they have no hope of paying them off. It will lead eventually to them having to leave their home and face serious damage to their credit scores.

“The Government needs to get a grip and do something about the debt crisis renters and landlords are now facing. A package of hardship loans and grants is needed as a matter of urgency. To expect landlords and tenants simply to muddle through without further support is a strategy that has passed its sell by date.”

More information 

  • Research for the NRLA suggests that 840,000 private renters in England and Wales have built arrears since lockdown measures started in March last year. Details can be found here 
Rhianna Abrey
About the author
Press Executive

Rhianna Abrey is the press executive for the NRLA. Before joining the NRLA, Rhianna worked at the Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS) with roles ranging from a Dispute Resolution Executive, to becoming a Team Leader in Operations. From working at TDS, has expanded her knowledge of Landlords and the PRS. Furthermore, Rhianna’s role entails dealing with media enquiries on a daily basis and managing the press office.