MORE THAN s100,000 is collectively owed in rent arrears by a group of tenants from one Wembley housing estate.

The Brent Housing Partnership resorted to 'door knocking' to collect arrears from 232 tenants at the St Raphael's Estate who are behind on their rent.

A group of 15 officers from the partnership took part in the drive in an attempt to get more people to catch up with their late payments.

99 of the 232 tenants responded to a card left at their property, but only eight payments were made as a result of the exercise.

The payments totalled s1,952 - a small dent on the s105,813 owed by the residents living at the estate.

The remaining 91 people who responded to the calling cards have either made an arrangement to pay or a promise of payment.

Gerry Doherty, the chief executive of the BHP, said: This is our second door knocking exercise within two months and the response to both has been very positive. Withholding rent is a serious issue that impacts all residents as it reduces income for repairs, maintenance, and other essential works.

"We want tenants to be aware that rent arrears is a serious issue and that we will send staff to undertake home visits where necessary, and to personally chase those tenants who are not paying their rent and avoiding contact. We will also take other serious measures such as serving notices, taking residents to court and eviction where necessary."

The door knocking exercise took place on Tuesday April 26, with staff delivering a rent statement and calling card to householders in arrears.

The card asked tenants to make urgent contact with the housing partnership.

Mr Doherty added: "These rent collection exercises have also been extremely useful in enabling staff to offer advice to those in genuine difficulties and not intentionally withholding rent. This advice has been well received and we have had a big response from tenants who have begun to pay off their arrears.