SW landlords least at risk of rent arrears

Landlords in the South West are least at risk of rent arrears, according to research from the UK’s leading landlord association*.

Those in the South West were found to be less at risk with a quarter (25 per cent) of landlords experiencing rent arrears in the last 12 months, compared to 29 per cent of landlords in the South East.

The research shows that a typical landlord in the South East with rent arrears faces £1,551 of outstanding rent, while those in the South West have £2,157 of outstanding rent, well about the UK average of £1,649.

Landlords in the North East were the most likely to come across the problem, with more than half (52 per cent) in arrears worth £1,561.

Landlords in London face the most outstanding rent at £2,426, despite only 26 per cent having experienced the problem.

The findings, from the National Landlords Association (NLA), also show that one in five (18 per cent) landlords in the South – approximately 300,000 – are worried that their tenants won’t be able to keep up rental payments over the next year.

Furthermore, the research shows that landlords in the North West (34 per cent) and the Midlands (27 per cent) are most concerned about further arrears occurring in the coming months.

The research supports the launch of the NLA’s latest campaign: rent, risk resolve. The campaign aims to highlight four of the biggest risks facing landlords and help them to minimise the impact on their lettings business:

1. Rent arrears
2. Rising interest rates
3. Local landlord licensing and regulation
4. The introduction of rent controls

Carolyn Uphill, Chairman, National Landlords Association, said: “All landlords will be affected by one or more of these issues to some extent somewhere down the line and it’s vital to keep in mind the major threats to the success of your business.

“Regardless of the size of your portfolio the potential impact of these risks can be devastating on both the business and personal life. As the largest landlord association in the UK, we have a duty to support and advise on how to plan ahead effectively and manage these risks”.

The first focus of the NLA’s campaign will be the risk of rent arrears. The NLA has produced a guide to support landlords to deal with the problem.

A landlord’s guide to rent arrears enables landlords to spot potential arrears early and provides strategies to put in place to mitigate the impact. To find out more about the campaign, or to download the free guide, visit www.landlords.org.uk/rentriskresolve