Propertymark urges benefits increase for poorest private tenants
Summary
Propertymark has called on the government to ensure housing support for private tenants better reflects actual market rents. It argues that one-off crisis payments are only a short-term safety net and that repeated freezes in Local Housing Allowance have widened the gap between support and rent levels.
Why it matters
Surveyors working in the private rented sector may see increased affordability pressure affecting tenant demand, arrears risk and tenancy sustainability. The issue also has implications for local housing markets, temporary accommodation pressure and wider rental reform discussions.
Key points
- Propertymark wants the DWP to publish data on Crisis and Resilience Fund housing payments.
- The body says emergency payments cannot replace adequate Local Housing Allowance for ongoing rent costs.
- It argues repeated LHA freezes have left support far below market rents.
- Low-income tenants face higher risks of arrears, failed tenancies and homelessness.
- Councils and temporary accommodation budgets may come under additional pressure.
Organisations:
Propertymark, Department for Work and Pensions, DWP, Universal Credit, Housing Benefit
Regulations:
Local Housing Allowance, Crisis and Resilience Fund
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