Private tenants are the forgotten victims of the recession
A report released today states that private tenants are the forgotten victims of the recession and reveals that 90% of lower-income renters are finding it difficult to cope financially.
The research by Shelter and the Money Advice Trust says that media and government attention has concentrated on saving homeowners from repossession, but financial problems are building up for private tenants.
More than one in three lower-income private tenants who have a household income lower than £20,000 (or £25,000 in London ) have fallen behind with at least one major bill, including their rent, including many tenants whose rent is meant to be covered by the local housing allowance.
Of the 52% of tenants receiving housing allowance, more than 60% found it did not cover their full rent. Almost a quarter of benefit recipients were making up a shortfall of £49 or more per week.
While homeowners (and landlords) have benefited from record low interest rates and a range of other help, little has been done to help private tenants – and unlike housing association tenants they will not receive a cut in rent next year, and while the campaign is continuing to prevent the Government from taking up to £15 a week from private tenants on local housing allowance who had shopped around for a cheaper rent, the survey is a reminder that rent shortfalls are an even bigger issue.
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