Landlords urged to know benefits rights - buy to let mortgages

21 April 2009

Holders of buy to let mortgages who have decided to rent properties out to unemployed people have been urged to ensure they know their rights.

Smartlandlord.co.uk has noted that unemployment has increased by 7.8 per cent within the private rented sector.

Managing director Keshav Thukaram said that landlords are "increasingly being called upon" to take in people on benefits, as the social housing sector is "ill-equipped" to cope with the rise in demand.

While this can be a good way for investors to secure income, he advised property owners to be aware of their entitlements if payments are not being met.

"Landlords taking this route must ensure they know their rights and apply to have the rent paid directly by the council if they experience problems," he said.

Recently, Citizens Advice, Shelter, Crisis and the Chartered Institute of Housing called for tenants to be given more protection from landlords' properties being repossessed.

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