The buy to let sector is becoming over-regulated says tenant eviction and rent recovery specialists Landlord Assist, one of a growing list of organisations who are concerned by the growing amount of red tape.

The firm’s comments come following potential measures outlined by the Government’s housing minister, John Healey, which he claims will help to improve the standards of service within the private rented sector.

Among Landlord Assist’s particular concerns is the possible creation of a national register for those letting property.

MD Graham Kinnear says landlords are already faced with reams of legislation and significant costs, and questions whether any further regulation is required in the sector.

He said: “In recent years landlords have had to conform with energy performance certificates, deposit administration and the new legislation of the 2004 Housing Act. In addition, changes in fire regulations as well legislation relating to Houses in Multiple Occupancy (HMO) and the Housing Health and Safety Rating System (HHRS) has meant that landlords’ costs have increased significantly.”

His commercial director, Stephen Parry, agrees. He said “Without doubt there is sufficient legislation in place to police the private rented sector and to ensure that the quality of landlords and their properties is of an adequate standard.

“Due to the restricted supply of properties, the private rented sector is an important part of the economy and we cannot believe that the Government do not appear to be supportive of private landlords.

“Every day we deal with landlord and tenant issues and it is clear that there are as many unscrupulous tenants as there are landlords and yet the continuous barrage of legislation seems only to penalise the landlord.”

Landlord Assist’s views are echoed by the National Landlords Association who believe that the latest measures from the Government amount to little more than “landlord-bashing.”

It is the view of many property specialists that encouraging the buy to let sector could be the key to helping the rest of the housing market to return to some normality.