At Andrew Lees, we know the importance of landlords and tenants working together. We are pleased to say we helped many landlords and tenants, and we look forward to assisting you.

Research undertaken by the Joseph Rowntree Foundation, the JRF, indicates millions of tenants are anxious about meeting their rental payment commitments this winter. The study suggests 350,000 tenants have already spoke with their landlord about this matter.

The Joseph Rowntree Foundation is an independent social change organisation working to solve UK poverty.

The JRF, alongside the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust (JRHT), shares two overarching outcomes:

  1. Everyone has a decent home in a good place

  2. Everyone has good living standards and prospects

The JRF utilises practical solutions, collaboration, policy and research to inspire action that they hope will create a United Kingdom which is free of poverty. The JRF aims to achieve a country where:

  • More people want to solve poverty, understand it and take action

  • More people find a route out of poverty through work

  • More people find a route out of poverty through a better system of social security

  • More people live in a decent, affordable home

Tenants need support right now

The study suggests that targeted support is needed for tenants in the private and social sector. Many tenants have lost their job or suffered a drop in income. This has placed many tenants at great risk, and could lose their homes through hardship.

The research indicates 2.5 million households are concerned about rental payments over the next three months, and 1.3 million of these households are in the private rental sector. The research also suggests 700,000 tenants are already in arrears.

Tenants are reducing their spending to pay rent

The study, which spoke to close to nearly 3,000 tenants, found a considerable number of tenants have reduced their spending on essential items to offset shrinking income. Some of the way’s tenants have cut back on essential spending include:

  • 70% of tenants have spent less on food

  • 49% of respondents have lowered their heating and electricity use

  • 39% of tenants have lowered their expenditure on food and nappies for children

The social change group’s survey of nearly 3,000 tenants reveals that large numbers who have reduced spending to offset shrinking incomes are cutting back on essentials such as food (70%), heating and electricity (49%), and for renters with children, food for children and nappies (39%).

Helen Barnard is a director of the JRF, and she has spoken about these findings. Helen said; “Without action which seeks to address growing arrears, any ban on eviction or enforcement only kicks the can down the road, with renters vulnerable to losing their homes again as restrictions are lifted. A targeted package of support to address high rent arrears will give renters and landlords much needed breathing space as we continue to weather the storm.”

As an experienced letting agent serving the Bridgwater community, and many of the surrounding areas, we are here to help. We promise to stay in touch with the latest technology, helping our clients to achieve more, and we aim to support the local community as best we can. If there is anything, we can assist you with; please contact Andrew Lees Lettings today.