The rise of the accidental landlord has led to a vacuum of knowledge about the property rental sector, according to an expert from George Ellis Property Services.

Marie Parris, managing director of the firm, explained that many are people are being left properties in wills and have no idea how to go about renting it out or the regulations they must adhere to.

“As landlords there are myriad laws, regulations and guidelines we need to adhere to. Accidental landlords are likely not to have that knowledge, and you tend to find it’s those landlords who are getting into problems,” she revealed.

Ms Parris explained that newcomers to the rental market should educate themselves as soon as possible, as being aware of the details is vital to success.

“The fallout from [not having a good understanding] is that you really could lose your property,” the expert concluded.

A recent survey conducted by Total Landlords Insurance found that one-in-seven tenants have a poor level of communication with their landlord.

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