Mark Whitehead 22 June 2023

Increase in rent arrears since Covid pandemic

Increase in rent arrears since Covid pandemic image
Image: spectrumblue/Shutterstock.com

The number of social housing tenants in rent arrears has gone up since the Covid pandemic, according to new research.

Data intelligence firm Mobysoft found a third of housing associations are having to offer more flexible payment plans or rent and service charge holidays while similar numbers are introducing hardship funds for tenants and partnering with food banks.

Its report Future-proofing Social Housing says two thirds of housing associations are experiencing a higher number of tenants in rent arrears.

The firm's survey of 100 UK housing associations revealed a range of challenges facing tenants including rising household bills, fluctuating income levels, trouble finding work and food and fuel inflation.

Julie Lorraine, strategic director at Mobysoft, said: 'Social housing is between a rock and a hard place, with conflicting obligations creating a dichotomy in the sector.

'Housing associations are under mounting pressure to invest in improving existing homes, including sustainability upgrades, while also continuing to deliver more new homes.

'At the same time, the cost-of-living crisis is putting their main revenue stream, rent collection, under pressure as increasing numbers of financially vulnerable social housing customers start falling behind on their payments.'

SIGN UP
For your free daily news bulletin
Highways jobs

PRINCIPAL TRANSPORT PLANNING OFFICER

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have an exciting opportunity for an experienced professional to join our team in Hull as a Principal Transport Planning Officer. Kingston upon Hull, East Riding of Yorkshire
Recuriter: Hull City Council

HIGHWAYS AND TRAFFIC ENGINEER - 4 POSTS

Hull City Council
£43693 - £46731
We have several exciting opportunities for suitably qualified Highways Civil Engineers and Traffic Engineers Wilson Centre, 1st floor, Hull HU1 2AG
Recuriter: Hull City Council

Strategic Director, Finance and Resources (S.151 Officer)

Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council
£110,799 - £120,706
Blackburn with Darwen is a distinctive, welcoming and vibrant borough with a strong identity and a genuine buzz about the place. Blackburn, Lancashire
Recuriter: Blackburn with Darwen Borough Council

Residential Worker, Edge of Care Service

Durham County Council
Grade 7 £29,093 - £32,654 PAY AWARD PENDING
Join a Groundbreaking Team Supporting Families in Seaham Salary
Recuriter: Durham County Council

Bikeability Cycling Instructor

Durham County Council
Grade 4 £24,790 to £25,992 pro rata (Pay Award Pending)
The Road Safety Team are keen to recruit additional Casual Bikability Instructors to join our team of instructors delivering Bikeability cycle trainin Durham
Recuriter: Durham County Council
Linkedin Banner