According to a survey from the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) a significant number of tenants are still struggling with rental payments.

The survey found that 55% of members have experienced tenants struggling to meet their rental payments with the recession and unemployment affecting many. Despite being a decrease on the previous quarter this is still a worryingly high number.

Ian Potter, operations manager of ARLA, said: “Unemployment has been the primary factor behind rental arrears throughout the recession. If the jobless total rises in 2010 it is inevitable that the number of tenants forced to default on their rent will also increase.

“The housing market looks increasingly buoyant with demand for rental properties having risen strongly since October. The problem of rental arrears will therefore persist and potentially grow in seriousness as tenants get caught in a web of debt.”

“As the housing market continues to pick up and demand begins to exceed supply, there is likely to be an increase of new landlords and properties in the rental sector.”

“It is crucial that agents engage in a careful selection process for both tenants and landlords, and ensure the relevant contracts and agreements are in place.”

Tenants in rental arrears risk being evicted from their property and landlords may also suffer if they cannot make their mortgage repayments.

Landlords are urged to take out a rent guarantee and legal insurance policy to protect themselves and their property.