WIREDGOV

Arrears guidance created by the NRLA and with industry-wide backing could help landlords keep tenants in their homes and avoid lengthy court waits.

The NRLA, the Chartered Institute of Housing, The Property Redress Scheme, My Deposits, the Tenancy Deposit Scheme and ARLA Propertymark are all backing the new guide to help landlords and tenants come to mutually beneficial arrangements over arrears.

Filled with practical advice on the ways in which landlords and tenants can work to address arrears that might be building as a result of the pandemic, it includes advice on rent deferrals, reductions and suspensions and support for tenants needing to access benefits.

Courts re-opening

While the courts are due to open again on August 24 after cases were put on hold for five months, it benefits no one to repossess homes of tenant who, until coronavirus hit, were paying rent in full and on time.

Any cases that do go ahead are expected to face significant delays – as courts struggle to manage the backlog so working with tenants on repayment plans is in everyone’s best interests.

In a joint statement the NRLA and other housing organisations backing the guide yesterday said:

“Covid-19 has posed significant challenges for both tenants and landlords. 

“As a group we are committed to doing everything possible to sustain tenancies both through and beyond this period of crisis.

“The guidance being launched has an important role to play in achieving this and we encourage all tenants and landlords to work through it together in a spirit of positive co-operation.” 

To read the new guide click here.