The Money Advice Trust has revealed that the number of calls it is receiving to its national debtline is receiving record numbers of calls from worried tenants.
The charity says its councillors received 20,000 calls last year from tenants worried about their rent arrears - that's an increase of 146% over the same period in 2007 when they received 8,000 calls.
Joanna Elson, the Trust's chief executive, said: “The fastest growing debt problem that we help callers with on our national debtline is rent arrears.
“We are in danger of falling into a rent debt crisis.”
Families struggling to pay rents
She added that housing costs are a crucial bill to pay but the rising rate of rents illustrates how the cost of living is squeezing families with many suffering more than when the financial crisis first struck in 2007.
Ms Elson added that thousands of callers who contact them every month reveal the decisions they have to make to hold their family finances together and many are worried about their ability to pay their rent.
The Money Advice Trust advises everyone who is struggling to pay their rent to seek impartial advice as soon as possible.
Help and advice for struggling buy to let landlords
More importantly, the Trust is also advising struggling buy to let landlords to contact Business Debtline for free and impartial advice on 0800 1967 6026 or visit bdl.org.uk.
For landlords who have a tenant who is late paying their rent, or who is in arrears, here is a handy guide to resolving the problem.
Communication
Communication is key between a landlord and their tenant to ensure that any problems paying the rent are highlighted at an early stage and resolved promptly.
Constantly late paying tenants
Landlords should not worry too much about the first payment being paid late since this might be down to a bank error but a tenant who is consistently late paying should be contacted and the problem discussed.
Complaints increase
Landlords should be wary of a tenant who is making an increasing number of complaints - they may be doing so to find excuses for withholding their rent. Landlords should respond promptly to any complaints and be aware that the tenant may be planning on leaving but may fear not getting their deposit back.
Access
Landlords should visit their property at least once every six months to ensure that it is being properly cared for and any problems with maintenance can be highlighted and repaired. Refusal of access from the tenant is a breach of their tenancy agreement and means they probably have something to hide.
No response from tenant
If the rent is late and the tenant is not answering calls or emails then it's time to act with a section 21 notice for their eviction.
Landlords should remember that communication and prompt action are vital when it comes to avoiding the problems that come with late and non-paying tenants.
