Shocking new research has revealed that young tenants are increasingly being turned down by landlords because they fear rent arrears.
The findings from a university reveal that landlords are increasingly likely to refuse a tenant under the age of 35 from living in one of their properties.
In addition to late payments, landlords also fear that their rent contract will be breached.
Also, young people who are receiving Universal Credit or housing benefit are also finding it difficult to find a landlord to take them on.
Indeed, researchers say that one in three landlords in the last three years have changed their letting strategy with just 6% saying they were actively seeking to increase lettings to young tenants.
Landlords are worried about the higher risk of rent arrears
The University researchers also reveal that 79% of landlords are worried about the higher risk of rent arrears from under 35s so they have decreased lettings to them, with 68% of landlords worrying about a breach of tenancy conditions.
However, 80% of landlords who say they are still willing to rent a property to a young person say they've added extra measures to ensure they receive the rent such as direct payments or using guarantors.
The research was commissioned by the Resident Landlords’ Association (RLA), and its chairman Alan Ward, said: “The findings suggest the landlords are moving away from accommodating those under 35, particularly if they are on benefits, out of concerns they may not get paid.
“Landlords are reducing risk particularly in relation to the administration of welfare payments and rent arrears.”
Mr Ward added that the RLA has already held constructive talks with government officials about the situation and it's something that he and his colleagues are keeping under review and are urging policymakers to engage with landlords to ensure this decline in accommodation for young people is addressed.
Tenants keep pets a secret from their landlord
Meanwhile, more research has revealed that one in four tenants keep their pet a secret from their landlord before moving into a rental property.
The findings from insurance firm AnimalFriends.co.uk found that half of those surveyed said they had a pet before moving into their rented home but 13% of tenants had no alternative but to rehome their pets.
They said that most landlords refuse to accept tenants with pets which made it more difficult for them to secure accommodation.
When question, 10% of tenants said they had to keep their pets hidden from the landlord when they visited to avoid severe consequences.
A spokesman for the firm said it was important that tenants understood that they had to look after their pet properly before they moved into a rented property.
