Research by ARLA has revealed that during Q3 2010 34% of its members saw a leap in the number of rental properties coming to market because they cannot be sold, causing an influx of former privately owned homes.

Ian Potter, operations manager at ARLA, said: “While homeowners forced to let out their home can reap significant benefits by holding on onto their property, becoming a landlord for the first time can be a stressful experience.

“Successful letting isn’t simply about finding a tenant, signing a contract and handing over the keys. There are important steps every landlord should take when letting out a property that was once their home.”