Landlords get an image makeover thanks to recession

Posted: 09 Dec 2009 11:31:44 GMT

Buy-to-let landlords have been given a positive image makeover thanks to the recession, according to an industry representative.

Landlord Assist states that economic circumstances have improved the traditional perception that landlords are driven by greed.

According to Graham Kinnear from the company, the industry has been hit hard by the credit crunch and they have been subject to a new wave of legislation.

He says that over the past 18 months, more people in the UK have been forced to turn to rented accommodation, which has helped to remove "bad" landlords from the market.

Mr Kinnear adds: "Those remaining are much more socially aware, with affordable accommodation and high-quality customer service becoming a priority."

He believes that during the property boom many UK landlords were greedy and set high rent levels, while refusing to provide repair and maintenance to their properties.

According to the Guardian, there are thought to be nearly one million buy-to let landlords in the UK.

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