Struggling tenants ‘should talk to landlords’

Tenants who are in debt through rental arrears may be better off if they talk to their landlords as soon as they get the chance.

David Lawrenson, private rented sector expert at LettingFocus.com suggested that failure to do this is likely to have significant consequences, commenting: "What causes a problem is the lack of communication."

He said one reason some struggle to pay is through the loss of a job, but people can then apply for local housing allowance and a wise measure would be to keep the landlord informed of the situation.

"My advice for tenants and landlords is to get together, speak and try to find a workable solution," the expert concluded.

Struggling tenants may find a debt management plan also helps.

Homeowners may also run into difficulties if they are not protected by a longer-term fixed rate, as a recent MoneySupermarket.com survey showed the average interest rate on mortgages has been rising since autumn last year.

By Joe White