The housing industry is calling on ministers to address the current rent crisis in the UK.
Following the re-introduction of a national lockdown, a number of organisations have joined together to release a joint statement to government.
The National Residential Landlords Association, The Big Issue and Ride Out Recession Alliance, Shelter, ARLA Propertymark, the Nationwide Building Society, and StepChange Debt Charity believe that without action, debts will continue to mount for renters.
Uncertainty continues into 2021
The above-mentioned firms detailed that they believe many thousands of private renters and landlords across the country now face rent arrears due to the impact of the pandemic.
The statement read: “Ministers have failed to address the core problem of debts which have built despite the financial package put in place so far.
“Indeed, the chancellor confirmed that housing benefit would not be linked to the cost of renting for future years.
“Renters, landlords and letting agents cannot be expected simply to muddle through indefinitely where they face these financial difficulties.
“The government needs to develop an urgent package to help renters in paying off arrears built since March last year.
“Without further action, debts will continue to mount, making it far more difficult to sustain tenancies and keep renters in their homes after the pandemic.”