We supported a private renter whose rent has gone up by 25%.
*Gerome is facing financial difficulties after significant increase in rent – private landlord increased by £260 per month from £1000 to £1260. His working hours have been reduced and now has further to travel to work (and increased travel costs) after employer shuts down premises nearest to him.
We helped him work out his budget – and negotiated short term holds with creditors. Realistically only way for Gerome to improve his situation would be to find more affordable accommodation and/or increased working hours.
Although DRO would be an option to deal with the debts this would not address the ongoing difficulties of making ends meet.
We advised client and assisted to negotiate holds with creditors and at this stage there is no firm result.
This is a good example of how the cost of living crisis continues to affect clients – who are already working and have little scope to increase income / reduce costs.
In addition, the lack of protection private tenants have against landlords significantly increasing their rent – and lack of affordable housing.
Policies on Breathing Space for clients as well as the Renters Reform legislation is hoped to help clients in future.