To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities, what assessment he has made of trends in the level of rent debt.
Answered on
9 March 2023
We understand the pressures people are facing with the cost of living and that paying rent is likely to be a tenant's biggest monthly expense. Individuals who need help towards their rental payments may be eligible for a range of support through the welfare system.
The English Housing Survey 2021-22 found that 3% of private renters were in arrears and 4% of social renters were in arrears at the time of interview (Apr 21 - Mar 22). These levels are similar to those the year before, which were 4% for both tenures (Apr 20 - Mar 21).
More recently available data, from the ONS' Opinions and Lifestyle Survey, found that only 5% of all renters reported being in arrears between June and September 2022.