Landlords have called for a council tax break for homes that have been left empty as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The government has instructed people to delay home moves wherever possible during the lockdown and viewings are only possible online.
According to the National Residential Landlords Association, says a significant number of rental homes have been left empty because tenants have been unable to take up tenancies or have chosen to leave them early in order to be closer to family during the lockdown.
During this period landlords will become liable for the council tax on the property and have no realistic prospect of finding new tenants.
A recent survey by the NRLA found that 41 per cent of landlords are concerned about having to cover the unexpected costs of utility bills and council tax.
It wants the government to instruct local authorities to waive taxes on properties left empty because of the pandemic.
Chief executive Ben Beadle says: “It is manifestly unfair for landlords to be asked to pay council tax on properties which are empty, and likely to remain so, because of the impact of the pandemic.
“While we remain supportive of the measures taken so far by the government, landlords are being asked to absorb more costs at a time when they are least able.
“Unlike most small businesses and the self-employed, there has been no direct support package announced for landlords.
“Removing this unnecessary burden would at least help those landlords who are struggling to cope with drastically reduced income.”
