Rent arrears are the fastest growing debt problem in the UK, according to national debt advice charity the Money Advice Trust.
From January to October this year the charity’s free advice helpline received nearly 20,000 calls for help from people with rent arrears, a 146% rise on 2007.
Calls from people with rent arrears have increased by 37% over the past two years, more than any other debt type – the charity warned.
People renting now account for 57% of all calls to National Debtline, compared to 43% in 2010.
Chief executive of the Money Advice Trust, Joanna Elson, said: ‘Housing costs are the most important household bill of all, and to see such increasing numbers of people falling behind on rent payments is indicative of how the cost of living squeeze has hit many families very hard since 2007.
‘The risks of falling behind on rent payments are stark and it is vital anyone concerned about their ability to pay the rent seeks free, impartial advice as soon as possible.’