## Rent Arrears in England Total £470 Million in 2024-25

Landlords in England experienced a substantial challenge in the 2024-25 financial year, with rent arrears estimated at £470.3 million. According to an analysis of government data by compliance platform Propoly, 210,163 households fell behind on their rent during this period. The average amount owed per household was £2,238, underscoring the widespread financial difficulties faced by tenants and the resulting impact on landlords.

## London and North West Lead in Rent Arrears

The capital accounted for the highest volume of rent arrears, with tenants in London owing £109.5 million collectively. The North West followed closely, with arrears reaching £103.1 million. Other regions with significant arrears included the South East (£61 million), the West Midlands (£58.1 million), and Yorkshire and Humber (£38 million). In contrast, the South West recorded the lowest total arrears, just under £14 million for the year.

## Regional Distribution of Households in Arrears

Propoly’s data also reveals the proportion of households in arrears by region. London represented 23.3% of the total households affected, while the North West accounted for 21.9%. The South East made up 13%, the West Midlands 12.4%, and Yorkshire and Humber 8.1%. The South West had the smallest share, with only 3% of households in arrears across England.

## The Financial Strain on Landlords

Sim Sekhon, Propoly’s chief executive, emphasised the scale of the issue: “The scale of rental arrears we’re seeing across England is significant, with more than 210,000 households falling behind on their rent in a single year. When this equates to over £470 million in missed payments, it underlines just how exposed landlords can be when tenant finances come under pressure.”

He added that for many landlords, rental income is essential, not just supplementary: “It’s essential to covering mortgage repayments, maintenance costs and wider financial commitments.” Sekhon also noted the ongoing challenges tenants face due to rising living costs, which have stretched household budgets and contributed to the increase in arrears.

## What This Means for Landlords

The data highlights the vulnerability of landlords to tenant financial difficulties, particularly in regions with higher arrears. Landlords reliant on rental income to meet mortgage and maintenance obligations may face cash flow issues if arrears persist. Understanding regional arrears patterns can help landlords and letting agents assess risk and consider appropriate rent protection measures.

Suggested internal link anchors
– rent arrears England
– rental income challenges
– mortgage repayments
– tenant financial pressure
– regional rent arrears
– rent protection solutions
– landlord financial commitments
– property maintenance costs
– tenant rent arrears statistics
– managing rent arrears
– impact of living costs on tenants
– landlord risk management

TLA update

TLA is launching a new Trusted Partners Hub in Q1 2026, featuring verified and approved service providers selected to support landlords, tenants, and property management businesses. We are inviting legal, trades, insurance, financial, mortgage, tenant screening, and other service providers to register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/