COVID funding to help residential landlords

The announcement of a £65million fund to cover rent arrears which have accumulated during the 2020 pandemic, has been welcomed by property and litigation solicitors as much needed assistance for beleaguered landlords.

Funding for Landlords and Tenants

The fund will assist both landlords and tenants and will now be allocated to councils to support those on low-income facing rent arrears, payments can then be made directly to landlords.

The National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) has been urging the Government to act and support residential landlords since the start of the pandemic.

The announcement from the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities said the pandemic had affected low-income households in the private rented sector (PRS) and landlords shouldered the burden during the crisis.

Commenting on the news, litigation solicitor Leigh Sunter said:

“Covid 19 has had a major impact on residential landlords with many months of misery and their tenants failing to make payment of rent.

Finally, the UK Government has announced measures to assist residential landlords. We strongly suggest all landlords struggling with low income tenants in rent arrears to consider the financial support available.”

According to the Government any payment is ‘likely’ to be paid directly to the existing landlord, or a new landlord if the money is being used to support a household to find a new home.

Tenant Eviction Ban

An eviction ban was brought into place during the pandemic, but all restrictions have now been removed as of 1 October 2021. It is hoped that this fund will go some way to helping those with rent arrears settle matters with their landlords wherever possible.

At Pearson Solicitors, we successfully assist residential landlords with tenant disputes and evictions. Our specialist commercial litigation solicitors can offer advice to resolve landlord and tenant issues across England and Wales. Contact Leigh Sunter on 0161 785 3500 or email enquiries@pearsonlegal.co.uk

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Please note that the information and opinions contained in this article are not intended to be comprehensive, nor to provide legal advice. No responsibility for its accuracy or correctness is assumed by Pearson Solicitors and Financial Advisers Ltd or any of its members or employees. Professional legal advice should be obtained before taking, or refraining from taking, any action as a result of this article.

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