Buy To Let Tenants Struggling In Cold Spell

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In an attempt to reduce outgoings, Shelter says some tenants are opting to stay chilly rather than turn on the heating during this cold spell.

More than a quarter of respondents to a survey by the charity said that they are spending less on bills in a bid to help pay rents. Many have spent a year struggling and are now having to go to extremes to be able to meet their monthly rent.

Kay Boycott, Shelter director of policy and campaigns says: "It's shocking to think that housing costs are forcing people to make a choice between keeping warm and keeping a roof over their heads."

The worry for the charity is that 1.4 million children could be living in "freezing" households as parents choose their most pressing debts over the thought of a big gas and electricity bill.



Landlords obviously like to receive their rent each month, but few would demand that if they knew there were children cold in their property. The only way to be sure that your tenant is safe and is able to afford their rent is by keeping in touch with your renter. With regular dialogue you will know of any problems with the property or any problems with their ability to pay the rent before it becomes a real problem.

Struggling renters are going to be a commonplace problem through 2010, so make sure yours are happy and secure – after all, without your renters you wouldn't be able to pay your buy-to-let mortgage and you wouldn't be making a profit from your investment.


SOURCE: Shelter, 06/01/10

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