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The number of tenants in arrears has tripled over the last year, leaving MPs and National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) once again calling for a grant or loan system for renters in England, so they can get on top of “a tsunami of debt”. Many renters are already struggling to pay off arrears they have accumulated through no fault of their own and that is before the furlough scheme draws to a close in autumn.

?With so many changes over the last 18 months, landlords could be forgiven for getting confused about how much notice they have to give to their tenants if they would like to gain possession of their property.

On 23 March 2020, county courts were forced to suspend evictions due to the global outbreak of Coronavirus. After 14 very long months, that ban has now come to an end and bailiffs can once again execute possession warrants and the courts system can restart.

Around six million people across the UK are currently receiving Universal Credit, a financial benefit payment provided by the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP) intended to help those out of work or on a low income with daily living costs.

For many years now, rising rents have put enormous pressure on those in the rental market. This has increased their vulnerability, not only because landlords are more likely to cherry-pick tenants who can afford the highest rents, but also because of a shortage of social housing.

On Wednesday 3rd March, the Chancellor Rishi Sunak delivered his Spring Budget. Acknowledging the devastating impact that the pandemic has had on our way of life, with the economy having shrunk 10%, he reaffirmed his promise to whatever it takes to protect as many jobs businesses and families as possible. Here is a snapshot breakdown of the key points: