Its research revealed that, of the 600 landlords surveyed, 52% experienced rent arrears in the past year, with the average late-paying tenant owing £730 in outstanding rent.
In addition, 62% of landlords said that running a lettings business is becoming increasingly difficult.
David Salusbury, chairman of the NLA, said: “It is concerning that more than half of landlords have received late rent payments or no rent at all in the past year. The government cuts to housing benefits will only put further pressure on tenants who are struggling to pay the rent on time.
“Landlords are unable to absorb this cost of rent arrears long term, as they have their own financial commitments such as mortgage repayments, which could increase further with the predicted rise in interest rates.”
