Sir,

As the economy continues to decline, I recently found myself out of work, a position not too unfamiliar familiar to 2.6 million of us across the country. As a result, I have been forced to 'sign on' as a Jobseeker, apply for housing benefit and cut out all non-essential costs; all reasonable and sensible actions under the circumstances. The single biggest headache I, and I'm sure others, face is not the hardships and trauma of being part of the 2.6 million out of work, but finding suitable and affordable accommodation, and it is fair to say this situation is not unique to Tenby alone.

I have been living quite happily on the outskirts of Tenby for sometime. However, my present landlord is unable to comply with some of the housing benefit requirements, mainly due to economics, and therefore leaves me no other option but to look for new accommodation to qualify for the £85 per week housing allowance.

I have chosen to relocate within Tenby for good reason, e.g. less requirement to use the car, local amenities and what I initially thought would be more choice. However, in the limited half-a-dozen suitable properties advertised within the local estate agents, not one rental property caters for housing allowance or benefits based rental? In fact, in all but one case I looked at, the adverts clearly states 'No DSS' Is it me! Or is this not 'landlord/local agency' madness?

It seems to me...

Fifty per cent of residential property within the immediate Tenby area is unoccupied and 'rental ready' to cater for the summer season holiday market. A large proportion of the holiday rental market remains dormant and unused for the majority of the year. The last 20 years has seen the holiday rental market decline in profit as costs increase and letting fees continue to come under increased pressure to compete with holidays abroad. Most holiday property owners struggle to make ends meet out of season and tourism is set to come under further pressure in 2012 as middle income families (Tenby holiday market bread and butter) have less disposable income than ever before.

In retrospect...

A single male/female unemployed person has a secure income stream specifically channelled to the landlord/landlady for as long as they remain unemployed. The rental income is protected and cannot be used for anything other than rent payment. Poll tax is reduced in accordance with the circumstances agreed by the local authority and in most cases the local authority payment covers all if not most of the rental charges. Yes this really is the 'tail wagging the dog'.

Times are changing quite dramatically and landlords/landladies and property owners need to redress some of their traditional fears in dealing with local authorities and unemployed people as this is turning out to be not only the fastest growing market sector, but the most secure income stream available in these uncertain times.

If as a landlord/landlady or property owner you agree that it is better to gain £350/£400 x 12 (£4,200/£4,800) secure and reliable income rather than the sporadic holiday rental income which is set to decline even further in 2012, you need to further consider the role played by property management agencies. Local property management aagencies need to be more flexible in their approach in dealing with benefit reliant clients and should consider replacing credit checks and associated fees which are redundant in these circumstances with a more appropriate interview based approval process to address any concerns, social or otherwise.

In the short term, we as a country are fast becoming a benefit reliant population; if not as a whole, then in part, with income top up schemes such as family credit, working tax credits or income support, and the days of job security are rapidly disappearing and the property market needs to re-invent itself to compete locally and nationally.

Unemployed rental income streams are a low risk opportunity for landlords/landladies and property owners; unemployment is not a testament of character in this day and age, more often than not, a case of circumstance.

Please take a look at your rental based properties and explore opportunities to release these on equally favourable terms for the unemployed amongst us.

Yours (still looking for a one bed property in Tenby!).

John,