Buy to let landlords a "lifeline" to councils

10 August 2010

Written by David Whittaker

One expert has argued that buy to let landlords are an important support for the housing market and local authorities must be careful not to damage the private rented sector when they cut benefits.

Malcolm Harrison, an independent property industry expert, explained that if tenants were unable to pay their rent they would have to be evicted and portfolio investors would be forced to look elsewhere.

Due to this, "councils have got to tread a very careful line," he stated, as the fact that landlords have a statutory duty to house people on their behalf means that the private rented sector is a "lifeline" to them.

The move may see more people on benefits have difficulty paying in more expensive areas than cheaper places, he added.

This comes after Paragon Advance revealed that tenants on local housing allowance are increasingly getting behind on their rent due to delays in the cash reaching them.

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