RLA highlights importance of tenant-landlord relationship

Date:Tuesday 27th July 2010
Author: Susanna Kavka

It is vital that a landlord develops a solid relationship with their tenants, says a representative from the Residential Landlords Association (RLA).

Chairman of the organisation Alan Ward noted that speaking to people and trying to come to some form of arrangement if they are having money troubles is all part of being a landlord.

He explained that it is not always possible to agree a deal, but a good relationship will open up the possibility of this option.

"There are insurance policies of course, [but] the bigger problem is when it gets up to a couple of months and then they put their tenancy at risk and you might seek repossession," Mr Ward remarked.

His comments follow research from the National Landlords Association, which indicated that one-fifth of UK private residential landlords have experienced tenants in arrears over the past quarter.

In more positive news, the average amount outstanding in rental arrears fell from £978 in the first three months of the year to £799 in the second quarter.