The government’s department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities has announced that it is making £65m available to local authorities in England to support tenants who are in rent arrears as a result of the pandemic and ‘support families to get back on their feet’.
Different local authorities will gain different amounts from the fund (throughout the winter months) and tenants are advised to contact them to find out if they might benefit from it. Their details can be found on the ‘Find your local council’ page on the government website or alternatively tenants may want to ask their letting agent, or landlord, for help – although neither the letting agent or landlord can apply on behalf of the tenant.
The application will be based on the personal situation and financial positon of the tenant with the local authority then deciding which tenants, in the area they cover, will benefit. If the application is successful, the funds will then be paid directly to the existing landlord of, if the tenant is gaining help in finding a new home, the new landlord.
It’s the latest in a series of announcements that have been made by government in support of tenants and households who may be struggling financially at the current time; with a £500m Household Support Fund available to help vulnerable households across the country to meet day to day costs, a £310m Homelessness Prevention Grant and £140m available to help prevent evictions and help people find a new home.
If you are a tenant facing financial difficulties (or a landlord who has a tenant in this situation) you may like to contact your local authority for advice or, if Reeds Rains is managing the property that is being let, please contact your local branch for assistance.
The Reeds Rains Content Marketing Team
