A survey of 3,000 landlords and letting agents by the Property Redress Scheme has identified where these players regard the problems in the private rental sector.

Some 72 per cent of landlords and 76 per cent of agents feel the private rented sector is still fit for purpose – chiefly because it provides a regular income.

Both agents and landlords feel the biggest challenges facing the private rented sector are legislation (agents 25 per cent, landlords 39 per cent), rent payments (agents 24 per cent, landlords 21 per cent) and property maintenance (agents 17 per cent, landlords 14 per cent).

Despite current and future legislation representing a big challenge, 83 per cent of landlords are confident they are compliant with current regulations. However 43 per cent of landlords feel not very or not supported at all by the government. 

Almost half of all landlords feel the current legislation hinders them due to too many complex regulations while opinion is split over whether tenants should be allowed pets in their property.

Looking ahead, some 80 per cent of landlords envisage themselves still being a landlord in three years’ time.

Currently it is not compulsory for a landlord to be a member of a redress or Ombudsman scheme – that may change with the passing of the Renters’ Reform Bill in the coming years.