The impact of the pandemic has had an unexpected effect on renters, with the number of lettings agents reporting an increase in arrears over the past year has halved to 32%, according to Goodlord.

The lettings platform adds that 14% of agents reported a decrease in tenant arrears over this period, compared to the previous year.

Only 6% of renters said they are concerned about the pandemic affecting their ability to pay rent.

During the height of the pandemic last year the government introduced a package of measures to protect tenants, including extended notice periods and a stay on evictions.

The research comes ahead of the annual Goodlord and Vouch State of the Lettings Industry report, which surveyed 550 lettings agents and 1,700 tenants, to be published on 15 September.

The report also highlights that a lack of stock, is a major concern for agents, with almost half of those surveyed citing that at least 5% of their landlords have left the sector over the last year. And a sizeable majority, 64%, predict the landlord exodus will increase.

Goodlord chief operating officer Tom Mundy says: “The response to this year’s survey has been huge.

“We’ve therefore been able to gather an unparalleled range of detailed and compelling insights into how the sector has fared over what has been an unpredictable year.

“Ahead of the full report being published, we can see from the insights released today that most renters are feeling financially secure and agents aren’t encountering the escalating levels of arrears seen a year ago.

“This is borne out by the latest statistics from our monthly rental indices, with rents heading up and voids dropping during 2021.

“Key challenges do remain, with lack of stock clearly a huge area of concern for most agents.

“The full report next Wednesday will shine further light onto these areas, as well as provide detailed analysis of the industry’s attitudes towards upcoming legislation, technology, and revenue generation.”

“The report will highlight industry opinion on upcoming regulatory changes, sentiment on the impact technology is having on workforce numbers, as well as the proportion of agents who have unlocked new revenue streams.