So-called ‘reluctant landlords’ who opt to rent properties they cannot sell are at risk of falling victim to opportunists ready to profit from their naivety, according to a report in the Investors Chronicle.

Research published this month by the Association of Residential Letting Agents shows that 95 per cent of members report increased business from those who have become landlords by accident, rather than by choice, and data on the housing market shows new letting instructions are at a record high. However, the lack of regulation in residential estate agency is encouraging sharp practice.