RENTERS

TENANTS could also suffer financially from an increase in the base rate if landlords with variablerate mortgage deals pass on the extra cost. One in six tenants say they could not afford any increase in rent whatsoever. And just over a quarter of renters questioned in the Mirror survey said they could only afford a rent increase of up to £10 a month. Another 15% said they could stretch to between £11 and £20 a month before they would struggle. Renters aged 35 to 54, including many families with children, are the most vulnerable. One in four people in this group said they would be unable to afford to pay their landlord a penny more in rent. It comes as renters have already been hit with a rise in bills. The average rent across the UK hit £927 a month in September – up from £908 a year before. The majority of renters would be forced to cut back on the absolute basics if their rent went up. Two-thirds said they would have to reduce the amount of energy they use, while nearly half would have to cut back on food. Tenants are not likely to be landed with a rise immediately after the base rate goes up because rents are usually fixed for a certain term. But those coming to the end of an agreement will be the most vulnerable. And families who rely on housing benefit to help keep a roof over their head could struggle with the £384.62-a-week cap outside Greater London, or £442.31 within Greater London.