20
Apr
Protect yourself, landlords urged
Landlords can do more to ensure they are covered against the
possible consequences of tenants becoming unemployed, it has been
stated.
Measures such as taking out rent guarantee insurance and
referencing tenants are ways in which property investors can
minimise the chances of not being paid, Smartlandlord.co.uk
noted.
At the same time, taking in unemployed tenants whose payments are
guaranteed by the state "can be a good way to secure a regular
income in the current environment", commented managing director of
the portal Keshav Thukaram.
However, he advised, those doing so should ensure they know their
rights and get payments made directly to them from local
authorities in the event of any problems.
More landlords might be keen to take on tenants on benefits if the
government were to change back the rules to ensure the rent of
those on local housing allowance is paid directly to them, the
National Landlords Association (NLA) argued this month.
The NLA said the alteration in the system a year ago to having the
money paid to the tenants has led to increased non-payment of
rent.
