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Scottish social landlords’ rent arrears at lowest levels since May 2020, figures show
Rent arrears among social landlords in Scotland have fallen to their lowest level in almost a year, data has shown.
According to the Scottish regulator’s monthly dashboard report, total arrears for social landlords stood at £160.7m in March. This is the lowest arrears figure seen since May 2020 when arrears stood at £158.2m.
The number of lets made last month was also the highest reported by social landlords since monthly returns began in April last year in response to the pandemic. Lets to people experiencing homelessness surpassed 2,000 for the first time.
The Scottish Housing Regulator (SHR) said increased lets coincide with the 26% increase in the number of empty homes becoming available during March compared with February.
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But the data also showed there has been a 20% increase in the number of people who presented themselves as homeless to local authorities compared with February.
It follows data from March that showed the number of Scottish households living in B&B temporary accommodation had increased by 99% during the coronavirus pandemic.
The dataset released today excludes Edinburgh Council’s returns as planned changes to its recording system meant the figures were not submitted in time for publication.
Since April last year, Scottish social landlords have been providing the SHR with monthly returns on key datasets. But last month the regulator wrote to landlords advising them that the frequency will be changed to quarterly, with the first return due in July.
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