The proportion of private rented housing managed by a letting agent is the highest for at least two years.

A poll of National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) found 66% of private rentals in England and Wales run via a letting agent in some way.

The NRLA says the rise is down to the complexities of the Renters Rights Act – but it says there are risks posed by what it calls “unqualified and ill-informed agents.”

It comes as official data shows only 59% of renters whose homes are fully managed by an agent are satisfied with the repairs service. This compares with 73% among renters whose properties are fully managed by landlords.

The NRLA says that with landlords and tenants increasingly reliant on agents it wants the Government to expedite proposals for minimum education and training standards for agency staff to ensure full confidence in their work. 

To date, ministers have only committed to consulting on such a move next year.

Association chief executive Ben Beadle says: “Landlords are ultimately responsible for ensuring the properties they rent meet all required standards. 

“However, with two thirds of rental properties now entrusted to some degree to the care of an agent, it is vital that they and their tenants can have confidence in the services that these letting agents provide.

“As the rental market becomes more complex, reliance on letting agents is only likely to grow further. 

“Reforms to the agency sector should therefore go hand in hand with the wider changes to the rental market.

“Whilst most agents provide a good service, too many do not. 

“Minimum training standards would help ensure those working in the sector understand their responsibilities and can provide a consistently professional service. 

“Pledging yet another consultation next year is simply not good enough. 

“Tenants, landlords and reputable letting agents deserve action now.”