With the recent steep rise in coronavirus cases across the UK, the ending of furlough, which was supposed to happen on 31 October, has now been extended.

Landlords had already called on the Government to give the sector extra help to protect those who are renting, with a reported 300,000 renters at risk of losing their jobs when the scheme closes.

Renters under the age of 35 are expected to face the brunt of the crisis when furlough ends as those who find themselves on (traditional) benefits will only be able to claim for a room in a shared house. According to official data, as of 31 August, 57% of those who were furloughed were under the age of 45. In total, 38% of those under the age of 45, and 46% of those under 35, live in the private rented sector.

Ben Beadle, chief executive at the NRLA, said: “With rates of COVID-19 rising, we need to do everything possible to sustain tenancies. Expecting the rental market simply to muddle through without proper support is a failed strategy that has to end.”

The NRLA is calling for the Government to develop a dedicated financial package to support renters and landlords. This should include interest free, government guaranteed hardship loans for those in work but struggling to pay rents. Similar schemes have been announced in Wales and Scotland.