Landlords are calling for a clear statement from the government in response to campaigners’ calls for rent payments to be stopped during the coronavirus crisis as more and more landlords are contacting the National Residential Landlords Association saying their tenants are under the impression they no longer have to pay rent as a result of the pandemic. The association is now asking government to clarify its guidance; that rents should continue to be paid where possible.

Some tenants believe that because lenders have provided the option of a three-month mortgage payment holiday to landlords, they should not pay rent for this period, while groups, including the National Union of Students, are also campaigning for rent breaks for tenants.

While the NRLA believes flexibility is necessary, it calls on the Government to better publicise guidance that tenants must still meet legal and contractual obligations where they can – including paying rent – to dispel any myths.