NRLA Chief Executive chairs national arrears conference
NRLA chief executive, Ben Beadle has chaired a national industry conference on rent arrears and how to tackle them.
Arrears are a hot topic, with changes proposed in the Renters’ Rights Bill – currently making its way through Parliament – set to allow tenants to build up three months of arrears before landlords are able to start the possession process.
With arrears increasing by 19% in the last four years to hit record highs – even before the introduction of the new rules – the Westminster Insight Rent Arrears Digital Conference was held on Tuesday to explore ways of tackling the issue and keeping tenants in their homes.
With Ben at the helm, high profile speakers from across the industry came together to discuss early intervention to avoid escalating arrears, along with the best way to support vulnerable tenants and sustain tenancies.
Topics for discussion included:
- The latest research on the drivers of rent arrears and financial vulnerability
- Identifying the early signs of rent arrears
- Helping tenants access support such as Discretionary Housing Payments, budgeting advice services and energy vouchers
- Digital solutions to assist in rent collection
- Developing the right rent repayment plans for tenants in arrears
Legal expert Anna Bennett was also on hand to discuss the Bill and the new possession grounds.
Ben said: “During the Covid-19 pandemic the NRLA worked closely with the Government to develop ‘Golden Rules’ when it came to arrears and it was fascinating to hear more about the approaches being taken by other organisations and social housing providers – and the results they are seeing.
“If the changes proposed in the Renters’ Rights Bill are adopted as they stand the issue of arrears will be looming large in the minds of all landlords. With that in mind it is vital we act now and open up a dialogue about appropriate – and effective – ways of tackling the issue going forward.
“The conference was an extremely positive, solution-focussed event, allowing industry figures to share best practice when to comes to managing arrears in what we know is a challenging economic, and legislative, environment.”
More information
- The NRLA has argued the proposed three-month threshold for arrears will have a significant impact on landlords, particularly those with smaller portfolios. It will also disproportionately impact tenants on lower incomes, as landlords inevitably become more risk averse. In line with the NRLA recommendations, Lord Carter, during Committee stage in the Lords, proposed the existing (two month) threshold remains when the Renters' Rights Bill comes into force. Despite this as present there has been no movement on the Government’s plans.
- For all the latest on the Bill’s progress through Parliament and the NRLA’s campaigns work visit our exclusive members’ hub here.
