STRUGGLING renters may be able to get help from their landlord or from the government if they can’t pay housing costs due to coronavirus.
Almost half (48 per cent) of renters say they’re are worried about the impact COVID-19 could have on their living situation, according to new data.
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While a quarter (25 per cent) have either had to voluntarily leave their home, move in with friends or parents, or request for their tenancy to end earlier than planned to avoid paying rent.
That’s according to a survey of just over 2,000 people by research firm Opinium.
David Cox, chief executive of landlord body ARLA Propertymark said: “It’s worrying to see that the vast majority of renters and landlords are concerned about rent payments.
“Unfortunately, as the COVID-19 pandemic continues, more people may see changes in their income which could leave them stressed about affording rent whilst providing for themselves and their families.”
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But while renters haven’t been offered three month payment holidays like homeowners, some financial support has been put into place for renters – here’s what you need to know.
Talk to your landlord
In the first instance you should talk to your landlord.
The government says tenants are still liable for their rent and should pay this as usual.
But if you think you will have difficulty meeting a rental payment, tenants and landlords are expected to work together to put in place a rent payment scheme.
They might agree to a rent payment holiday or a reduction in rent.
MoneySavingExpert.com says it’s heard of both sides of the stories – tenants getting in touch and being offered no help, and tenants getting in touch and being offered rent holidays.
So it’s worth a try.
It’s also worth noting that struggling buy to let landlords are being offered three month payment holidays on their mortgage, and according to banking trade body UK Finance, they’re expected to pass this relief on to their tenants.
Speak to friends, family, and check for savings
If your landlord won’t help, do you have any savings stashed away that you could use?
This is the rainy day emergency savings are meant for, and you can hopefully start to build up any pot again once normality resumes.
If your friends and family are able to loan you any money in the short-term they hopefully own’t charge interest, making it cheaper than any type of financial loan.
Plus, it won’t impact your credit score.
Check if you’re eligible for sick pay
If you have coronavirus or any other type of sickness, you can get £94.25 per week statutory sick pay (SSP) if you’re too ill to work.
It’s paid by your employer for up to 28 weeks, so check if you’re eligible.
Can you be furloughed?
If you’re in good health but you can’t work because of coronavirus, the government’s furlough scheme will pay 80 per cent of your wages, up to £2,500 a month if your workplace has closed due to coronavirus.
Employers have to apply for the scheme rather than employees, so if you’re unsure, ask if you’re eligible.
A similar scheme paying the same amount is also available to the self-employed, so check to see if you’re eligible.
Check if you can claim Universal Credit
If your circumstances have changed as a result of the coronavirus crisis, for example, you’ve lost your job, you may now be eligible for Universal Credit.
Universal Credit rolls six legacy benefits into one.
How much you’ll get depends on your circumstances, but the minimum standard allowance is £342.72 a month.
This month the government has boosted both Universal Credit and the legacy housing benefit by £1,000 a year.
The government has also ensured that from this month both benefits will cover at least 30 per cent of market rents in each area.
It’s also gotten rid of the minimum income floor for the self-employed.
You can’t be evicted
Between March 26 and September 30, landlords in England and Wales have to give most renters at least three months’ notice to to evict them.
Ongoing eviction cases have also been put on hold for 90 days from March 27.
Whether this applies to you depends on the type of tenancy you have – see Citizens Advice for the full details.
The rules are slightly different in Northern Ireland and Scotland.
