pay their rent.

And the company has admitted it has lost more than $800,000 over the years through tenants who have failed to pay for their accommodation.

In the company's annual report, released yesterday, General Manager Edwin Cowen announced that the company will be trying to improve its rent collection process.

"Greater efforts will be made to ensure that tenants are financially responsible,'' Mr. Cowen said.

"While recognising that it is Bermuda's landlord of last resort and being fully aware of its social responsibilities, the Corporation also believes that tenants must be held accountable for their obligations.

"The collection of rents, in full and on time, is no less challenging then it has been in the past.

"When satisfied that non-payment has been the result of irresponsibility the Corporation has evicted some tenants.

"Clearly it is the Corporation's role to help Bermudians and, in so doing, be the most tolerant of landlords. The cost associated with this necessary approach is significant. At year end the amount due from former tenants was $595,000 and the total provision for bad debts $831,000.'' Last night the Corporation's chairman, Geoffrey Gardner, played down the unclaimed rents.

"The nature of the business is that our clients have money problems -- if they didn't they wouldn't be Bermuda Housing Corporation tenants,'' he said.

"A lot of time is spent just encouraging and helping people to pay.

"I don't think we'll be stepping up debt collection -- it's just a continuation of our efforts.''