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NatWest to review buy-to-let policy towards benefit tenants – exclusive

Lana Clements
Written By:
Posted:
October 25, 2018
Updated:
October 25, 2018

NatWest is to review its buy-to-let policies towards tenants on benefits, Mortgage Solutions understands.

 

The lender has apologised to landlord Helena McAleer after it told her to choose between evicting her vulnerable tenant on welfare or remortgaging to a new lender when she asked the bank for a further advance.

Pressure has been heaped on NatWest to change its buy-to-let policy barring tenants on benefits, since Mortgage Solutions first covered the story exclusively.

McAleer started a petition calling for the government to ban such policies, backed by Mortgage Solutions, which has now received almost 4,000 signatures.

Numerous groups including Generation Rent and the Residential Landlord Association have also supported the campaign.

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The bank told McAleer it was grateful she brought the issue to their attention and for the opportunity to reconsider its approach.

It’s thought NatWest will also be changing its internal procedures so that customer service staff respond to cases in a less rigid ‘computer says no’ manner.

McAleer said: “I’m pleased to know that one person standing up for what they believe in has the possibility of making a difference in the world.

“I hope that NatWest follows through with their promise to review their antiquated policies, setting a precedent for other lenders.

“This type of discrimination is not acceptable now or in the future.”