Tenants are still struggling with rental payments, according to the latest survey from the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA).
The survey shows that 55% of members have seen an increase in tenants struggling to meet their rental payments, a increase on the previous quarter of 45%.
Ian Potter, operations manager of ARLA, said that if unemployment rises in 2010, the number of tenants forced to default will increase.
He added: “The problem of rental arrears will therefore persist and potentially grow in seriousness as tenants get caught in a web of debt. It is crucial that agents engage in a careful selection process for both tenants and landlords, and ensure the relevant contracts and agreements are in place.”
