As MPs begin consideration of the Government's Welfare Reform Bill, the RLA is calling for tenants to be given the right to choose who receives their benefits, as evidence shows that many are falling into arrears and would prefer the security of knowing their rent has been paid.
Whilst the Government argues that paying housing benefits direct to tenants promotes financial responsibility, research previously commissioned by Shelter has suggested that of those tenants who would like their benefits paid to their landlord, 95% are struggling to manage their own finances. Despite this, they are denied the ability to make a choice for themselves.
Survey data for the RLA has found that of those landlords who would not re-let their properties to those on benefits, 45% cited a lack of any guarantee of payment as the main reason.
Commenting, RLA chairman, Alan Ward, said: "In opposition, the Conservatives supported the principle of tenant choice, believing it to be good for tenants seeking financial security and good for landlords, many of whom face unsustainable levels of rent arrears.
"As the Government pursues an agenda of consumer and user empowerment and choice, the RLA is calling on the same principles to be applied to the private rented sector, with greater freedoms for tenants to choose what best meets their individual needs.
"We call on MPs to use the Welfare Reform Bill to enshrine in legislation the freedom and right for tenants to choose, without forcing landlords to lower rents, making renting untenable for many."
