A council claims that a substantial number of private landlords in its area have evicted long term tenants to make space for AirBnb renters.

Scarborough council says a “perfect storm” of events has caused a considerable squeeze on the availability of private rented properties in the borough.

At least 89 households were living in “all types of temporary accommodation” while 33 households were living in B&B temporary accommodation.

A report drawn up by officers and presented to councillors says: “The council is reliant on using the private rented sector in meeting demand, however, officers are reporting a significant drop off in the availability of private rented sector accommodation in the borough.

“We have also seen examples of private landlords evicting tenants in order to convert into Airbnbs and holiday lets.”

The Scarborough News newspaper reports that the council’s cabinet member for housing and stronger communities, Carl Maw, told a meeting: “I think this is something we already suspected was going on, but this puts some meat on the bones of the argument that we have serious issues within the borough regarding affordable housing.”

The meeting went on to renew a private rental landlord licensing scheme covering part of the council boundaries.