Average rents stood at £561 at the end of May, down 2.3% on April’s figure.

Despite the fall in rents, however, landlords in Scotland are still receiving stronger yields than much of the UK. The average yield in May was 4.9%. The average yield in England and Wales was 4.4%.

According to the figures, only landlords with properties in the North East and North West regions of England enjoyed higher or equal returns at 5.2% and 5% respectively .

Brian Moran, lettings director at Your Move Scotland, said: “With the general election taking centre stage throughout May, it should come as no surprise that rents ticked down from their previous level. Prices in most areas remain above where they were a year ago, with growth coming across a number of areas.”