Posted 14.09.17
Residental Landlords Association (RLA): Article link
More than a third of private landlords with tenants receiving Universal Credit say they are owed rent.
According to a recent RLA survey of almost 3,000 landlords, of those with Universal Credit claimants as tenants, 38% reported experiencing tenants going into rent arrears. In February 2016 that figure was 27%.
The RLA's research has found that the average amount owed in rent arrears by Universal Credit tenants to private sector landlords is now £1,150.
With the government set to increase the pace at which Universal Credit is rolled out across the country from next month, the RLA is calling for urgent reform.
The association wants measures introduced to cut the seven-week waiting period that claimants currently face before they can begin to receive Universal Credit payments.
It also wants the government to to make it easier and quicker for payments to be made directly to the landlord where tenant arrears are building up.
*****
Posted 05.09.17
GOV UK: Article link
This document provides private and social sector landlords with information about Universal Credit to help them understand what they can do to help their tenants prepare for:
It explains how Universal Credit will ensure that the appropriate protections and safeguards are in place - both the trigger points for intervention by the Department for Work and Pensions and recovery of arrears where they occur.
It also explains what budgeting and payment support is available for tenants who may need help moving to the new system.
*****
Updated 04.09.17
