By Tony Booth

There are many reasons why tenants might suddenly stop paying rent. Managing rent arrears quickly and professionally is crucial to preventing a minor problem becoming a major financial headache.

And for those that want the least amount of aggravation from their buy-to-let, there are several products available on the market that deal entirely with the often calamitous repercussions that result from rent arrear events.

Legal and rent protection insurance policies are available in a vast range - though the old premise that you get what you pay for tends to apply.

Much depends on how much protection against dealing with tenant default and rent arrears you actually want. Some landlords (the lucky few) have yet to face the financially debilitating scenario of suffering months without rent and/or a problem tenant refusing to leave a property. But as sure as eggs are eggs, that day will come - and when it does, it could devastate your buy-to-let strategy.