The number of lettings professionals reporting an increase in arrears over the past year has halved from 64% to 32%, with 14% reporting a decrease in arrears.
Only 6% of 1,750 tenants surveyed are concerned about the pandemic affecting their ability to pay rent, according to Goodlord's State of the Industry Report.
The report also found that the number of lettings professionals reporting an increase in arrears over the past year has halved from 64% to 32%, with 14% reporting a decrease in arrears.
Lack of stock, however, is a major concern, with almost half of agents citing that at least 5% of their landlords have left the sector over the past 12 months, and 64% predicting the landlord exodus will get worse.
Tom Mundy, chief operating officer at Goodlord, said: “The response to this year’s survey has been huge.
"We’ve therefore been able to gather an unparalleled range of detailed and compelling insights into how the sector has fared over what has been an unpredictable year.
"Ahead of the full report being published, we can see from the insights released today that most renters are feeling financially secure and agents aren’t encountering the escalating levels of arrears seen a year ago.
"This is borne out by the latest statistics from our monthly rental indices, with rents heading up and voids dropping during 2021.
"Key challenges do remain, with lack of stock clearly a huge area of concern for most agents.
"The full report next Wednesday will shine further light onto these areas, as well as provide detailed analysis of the industry’s attitudes towards upcoming legislation, technology, and revenue generation.”
