Mortgage companies are considering allowing customers to miss payments... but what happens to people who rent?

[Buttybach]

I'm allready in half wages due to major surgery so we are really struggling at the moment. However if my husband has to take unpaid leave then we are really screwed. We pay £700 a month rent. The landlord has no mortgage but I doubt very much that he would skip a payment.
What do renters do?

Apply for Universal Credit/Local Housing Allowance asap.

I doubt it will come as a revelation to your landlord should the shit hit the fan if you find yourself unable to pay your rent. In your position I would contact your landlord and explain what you can or can’t pay as soon as you know what the situation is. They could go though the lengthy and expensive eviction process but by the time the court-appointed bailiffs are at your door practically every other prospective, replacement tenant could be in the same boat as you.

I think we will x
We have been excellent tenants for 10 years so fingers crossed he will be understanding x