A number of organisations from across the housing sector have teamed up to support landlords and tenants facing rent arrears as a consequence of the Covid-19 outbreak.

The organisations are launching guidance offering practical ways in which landlords and tenants can work to address arrears that might be building as a result of the pandemic.

The guidance suggests that both parties need to raise concerns that might be arising early on, along with advice about measures that can be taken such as agreeing rent deferrals, reductions and suspensions.

It provides support also for tenants applying for benefits where need be and points to resources available to help develop budgeting plans to ensure that tenants can cover the cost of essential items.

In a joint statement, the National Residential Landlords Association, the Chartered Institute of Housing, The Property Redress Scheme, My Deposits, the Tenancy Deposit Scheme and ARLA Propertymark said: “Covid-19 has posed significant challenges for both tenants and landlords. As a group we are committed to doing everything possible to sustain tenancies both through and beyond this period of crisis.

“The guidance being launched today has an important role to play in achieving this and we encourage all tenants and landlords to work through it together in a spirit of positive co-operation.”

The debt guidance can be accessed here.