1.7 Billion Reasons to Rethink Rent Arrears: Futureproofing Lettings with Julie Ford

The Viking Chats: navigating the choppy waters of property, technology and business

In this compelling episode of The Viking Chat, Kristjan Byfield welcomes industry powerhouse Julie Ford of Lettings Advice Service for a conversation that might just change the way you view rent arrears, evictions, and the entire tenant-landlord dynamic.

With over 30 years in housing, local authority liaison, tenant support, and compliance, Julie Ford brings a razor-sharp perspective on the biggest challenges facing the private rented sector (PRS)- from the staggering £1.7 billion rent arrears crisis to the looming impact of the Renters (Reform) Bill and a rapidly shifting social landscape.

Whether you're a high-street letting agent, a Build to Rent provider, or a property manager navigating the grey areas between compassion and compliance, this episode unpacks critical insights you can’t afford to ignore.

🔥 Key Topics We Dive Into:

✅ The £1.7 Billion Problem That Nobody's Solving
Why are rent arrears spiralling- and what’s the real human and financial cost to tenants, landlords, and the wider PRS? Julie reveals how a lack of awareness, access to funding, and siloed communication are fuelling a crisis that could be prevented.

✅ From Possession to Prevention: The Case for Grant-First Strategies
Julie breaks down how grants, support services, and better signposting could resolve arrears before they ever reach court- saving landlords money, sparing tenants trauma, and helping agents reduce conflict and workload.

✅ Renters (Reform) Bill & the End of Section 21: What Comes Next?
With Section 21 on the chopping block and Section 8 under revision, agents need to reimagine their processes. Julie discusses how reform must go hand-in-hand with better tribunal access, clearer evidential requirements, and meaningful funding.

✅ The Rise of the AI Tenant: Are You Ready for What’s Coming?
Julie raises a fascinating point about generational shifts: we’re raising tenants in an age of automation, where AI handles everything from groceries to gas bills. So why are rental arrears still handled with outdated methods and clunky systems?

✅ Why the PRS Needs a Cultural Shift- Not Just Legislative Reform
We talk about the human side of arrears- mental health, shame, domestic abuse, and poor literacy- and how lettings professionals can be better equipped to spot red flags early, intervene compassionately, and still protect landlord interests.

✅ The Role of Letting Agents in Futureproofing the PRS
From revising arrears letters to training staff in soft skills and financial signposting, Julie outlines practical steps that agencies can take today to build more sustainable, resilient tenancies- without compromising commercial performance.

💡 Why This Episode Matters

The lettings sector is at a crossroads. With rental demand high, tenant protections expanding, and eviction pathways narrowing, the old ways of doing things no longer work. Julie Ford’s experience across housing associations, government liaison, and tenancy support puts her in a unique position to connect the dots—and help our industry step up.

For letting agents, BTR operators, PBSA managers and landlord-focused suppliers, this episode is a masterclass in proactive problem-solving, policy awareness, and long-term thinking. It’s also a reminder that a better PRS isn’t just about better laws- it’s about better conversations.

🧠 Who Should Tune In?

• Lettings agents juggling arrears, renewals & reform
• BTR & PBSA providers seeking tenant-first strategies
• Property managers balancing commercial outcomes with social impact
• Suppliers, CRMs, and tech partners exploring meaningful innovation
• Anyone serious about building a more resilient, human-centred PRS

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