25 Mar 2013
Landlords and tenants have been urged to maintain an accurate inventory amid increased demand for rental property in England, according to a report.
The Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) said landlords need to pay more attention to the maintenance of their rental properties as leasing demand has soared in recent years.
Figures from the latest English Housing Survey show that more than 3.8 million families are living in rented accommodation, which is the highest rate since the 1960s.
The number of homeowners in England has also slumped to its lowest level in almost 25 years, with householders only representing 65% of the overall housing market.
A spokesperson for the ARLA said: “Increasingly, would-be buyers unable to get onto the housing ladder are looking to the private rented sector to provide long-term renting solutions.
“Property deterioration during full-time occupancy will only intensify as the demand for rental accommodation continues to rise. Creating an inventory that is agreed between the landlord and the tenant, and evidenced, can help to clarify situations where items get damaged, lost or stolen.”
Copyright Press Association 2013