Total value of rent arrears in Scottish social housing sector increased by almost six per cent in May 2020

New monthly figures from the Scottish Housing Regulator also show that number of households in temporary accommodation increased by more than seven per cent

Rent arrears in Scotland’s social rented sector increased by almost six per cent in May 2020, according to the Scottish Housing Regulator.

In the Regulator’s second Monthly COVID-19 dashboard report on the main impacts of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic on social landlords in Scotland, it highlights that, at the end of May 2020, rent arrears stood at more than £156 million, up by more than £8.5 million (5.8 per cent) on the April 2020 total.

In addition, the May 2020 report shows that there were 13,175 households.in temporary accommodation at the end of the month, up by 7.5 per cent compared to the previous month.

Commenting on the increases, chief executive of the Scottish Housing Regulator Michael Cameron said -

‘These latest figures show the increasing pressures facing the social housing sector, people who are homeless and tenants and service users in the context of the Coronavirus pandemic. More people are now in temporary accommodation and are waiting on a permanent home. And more tenants are struggling to pay their rent.

Over the coming months, we will continue to monitor and report on the ongoing impact of the pandemic on social landlords to help support the work of the Scottish Government, the Social Housing Resilience Group, and the social housing sector.’

For more information, see Regulator report shows more people in temporary accommodation and higher rent arrears, as landlords respond to the Coronavirus pandemic from housingregulator.gov.scot