More People Are Falling Badly Behind On Their Rent

Between April and June the number of tenants in severe rental arrears - defined as being more than two months behind on payments -  rose by 3.3 per cent over the previous three months, according to figures from LSL Property Services.  The number of tenants in severe arrears rose by 3,000 to 98,000 in the same period, making it the third highest level on record. Those in serious arrears now represent 2.4 per cent of all tenancies in England and Wales.  Read more on the Independent website.

Buy-To-Let Landlords Warned Of Rise in 'Severe Arrears'

Buy-to-let landlords are being warned of a rise in the number of UK tenants in "severe arrears". The Tenant Arrears Tracker, published by LSL Property Services, shows the number of renters more than two months behind on payments rose by 4,000 to 94,000 in the first quarter of 2013 - an increase of nearly 5 per cent. This represents 2.3 per cent of all tenants in England and Wales. LSL said severe arrears over the past 12 months are now 20 per cent above the long-term average and that eviction by court orders are also running at a record level and 10 per cent higher than a year ago. Read more on the LSL website.