Landlords tend to be happy in their profession according to the latest quarterly Landlords Panel research from BDRC Continental produced in partnership with the National Landlords Association (NLA).

78 percent feel positive about being a landlord although 62 percent believe it has become harder recently, and only 8 percent agree that landlords are respected by the general public.

However, BDRC Continental’s research shows that landlords have fared well over the last three months.

Almost half (49 percent) of the respondents say that demand for rental property from tenants has increased, and the same percentage are expecting demand to continue increasing with just 6 percent predicting a fall.

The research also revealed that rental property continues to be a popular investment, with a larger proportion of landlords expanding their property portfolio as opposed to reducing it.

Reflecting a cautious air of optimism, 10 percent have acquired more properties in the last three months, while 16 percent plan to do so in the next three months.

Rising rents are also good news for landlords: 43 percent of those surveyed reported a rise in rents in areas where they let properties. Across the board, rents have risen by 4.7 percent and one in five respondents say they are making enough money to live on their rental income according to the BDRC figures.

31 percent of the landlords questioned say they make enough profit to save some of their rental income, a further 10 percent are breaking even and only 5 percent claim to be making a loss. More than half (52 percent) have experienced rent arrears during the last 12 months.

Mark Long, business propositions director for BDRC Continental believes results from the Landlords Panel indicate a continuing appetite for professional advice.

He said: “As with other occupations, there are important regulations and responsibilities that go with being a landlord. These include major features such as the Tenancy Deposit Schemes and the Client Money Protection Scheme, that safeguard tenant’s deposits.

“Our research showed that almost two thirds of landlords taking part in the research are unaware or unsure of what the scheme is, although those using a letting agent for full management services are far more tuned into this significant initiative.”

The Landlords Panel research highlighted the importance landlords place on advice in selecting a buy to let mortgage. While low interest rates and lending criteria are key factors, advice from a third party is a major element in the choice of lender for 42 percent of respondents. 59 percent also agreed that they were open to the idea of buy to let lenders providing broader advice to them as landlords.

Frustrations in the life of landlords include rent arrears, void periods, poor public perception and the lack of a collaborative approach to providing housing by local authorities.