Tenant evictions instigated by buy to let property investors ARE on the increase despite recent statistics saying the contrary claims Landlord Assist, the nationwide tenant eviction and rent collection service.

According to statistics released earlier this week by easyroommate.co.uk, the number of tenant evictions in the private residential rental sector declined by 11 percent over the last 12 months.

But Landlord Assist says in their experience landlords are still facing growing arrears and subsequently tenant evictions are on the increase.

Graham Kinnear, MD of Landlord Assist said: “We are baffled by these latest figures as it is our firm understanding that the level of evictions has risen. Our caseload increased significantly throughout 2009 and we struggle to believe this is purely as a result of our increased market share in the sector.

“Furthermore there is also evidence that rental arrears have actually been growing in the UK with a survey published recently by the National Landlords’ Association suggesting that nearly 45 percent of landlords have struggled to get payments from their tenants.”

Stephen Parry, Commercial Director at Landlord Assist, added: “While some may argue that landlords are showing leniency to their tenants and offering payment alternatives to those struggling to avoid a potential void, this is not our experience.

“We are seeing landlords keener than ever to obtain the rent or evict the tenant. In most cases they have a mortgage to sustain and a limited reserve of spare money. Landlords simply can’t afford to have tenants who don’t pay.”

• A reform in stamp duty could be introduced by the treasury as a carrot to encourage property investors to enter, stay in, or even increase their share in the private residential buy to let market.

Reports have been circulating that the government now has more understanding about how the private rented sector can help ease the country’s housing needs and therefore is looking at a number of options that would entice more investment.

A reform in stamp duty would seek to give more relief to landlords who purchase a number of properties in one go.