Rent arrears have hit a record high of £2,281 on average in Q1 2026, according to the latest industry data. For landlords without the right protection in place, that figure is more than just a statistic.
With rent arrears reaching record levels, landlords need more than just a tenant, they need the right tenant, the right checks, and the right management in place.
While demand for rental property remains strong, tenant affordability is under increasing pressure. This means landlords need to be confident that their agent is properly assessing applicants, checking affordability, monitoring payments, and acting quickly if any issues arise.
A good letting agent does not simply find a tenant and hope for the best. They help reduce risk from the beginning by providing accurate advice on rent levels, thorough referencing, clear communication, compliant documentation, and ongoing rent monitoring.
For landlords, the message is simple: higher rents are only valuable if they are actually collected.
If you are currently self-managing, or if you are unsure whether your existing agent is being proactive enough, now is the right time to review your position. The cost of poor management can quickly outweigh the saving of a lower fee.
Source: Lettings Agent Today
— Drivers & Norris