Arrears lie behind one in five disputes with tenants 

Rental disputes over arrears have risen significantly, now accounting for over 20% of all disputes in the UK, the highest proportion in five years. Data from FCC Paragon shows a total of 47,405 disputes in the private rental sector last year, marking a 13.6% increase from the previous year. Disputes specifically related to rent arrears surged 80.8% year-on-year, reaching 9,784 cases, the highest in five years.

This trend has been building since 2021/22 and highlights increasing volatility in landlord-tenant relationships post-pandemic. The upcoming Renters’ Rights Bill is expected to further reshape this landscape. FCC Paragon emphasizes the importance of thorough tenant referencing to mitigate arrears-related issues. By checking financial viability, landlords can reduce the risk of rent-related disputes.