It is really important that tenants do whatever they can to pay the rent that they owe. Most landlords are normal people like you and me. They aren't rich, and their income is probably also affected by the current COVID-19 pandemic. The support available to tenants is not available directly to landlords, therefore, tenants have to get the support directly and pay the rent to the landlords.

The government has issued the following guidance to tenants recently:

As a tenant, should I stop paying rent during the outbreak?
  • Tenants should continue to pay rent and abide by all other terms of their tenancy
    agreement to the best of their ability. The government has a strong package of
    financial support available to tenants, and where they can pay the rent as normal,
    they should do    . Tenants who are unable to do so should speak to their landlord at
    the earliest opportunity.
  • In many if not most cases, the COVID-19 outbreak will not affect tenants’ ability to
    pay rent. If your ability to pay will be affected, it’s important to have an early
    conversation with your landlord. Rent levels agreed in your tenancy agreement
    remain legally due and you should discuss with your landlord if you are in difficulty

And the government has issued the following guidance to Landlords:

As a landlord, should I stop charging rent during the outbreak?
  1. Landlords are not required to do this. Most tenants will be able to pay rent as
    normal and should continue to do so, as they will remain liable for the rent during
    this period.
We strongly encourage you to pay the rent from your savings and to seek government assistance to help pay future rent. 
If you fail to pay the rent, you will fall into rent arrears and this could cause significant financial difficulty for you in the coming months or even years if your credit rating is impacted by your failure to pay what you owe.

We understand that this is a difficult time for everyone, however, now is the time to take the action required to ensure that you receive all the government support that is available to you so that you can carry on paying your rent and ensure that you protect your future financial health.

GOVERNMENT SUPPORT AVAILABLE TO TENANTS DURING THE COVID-19 PANDEMIC: