The chief executive of Propertymark has written to the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities calling for tougher rules on abandoned properties.

In a letter to Michael Gove on behalf of a housing sector, Nathan Emerson emphasised the need for greater protection for landlords.

He says there are key issues in the Renters Reform Bill that ‘lack clarity’ and highlighted the issues caused when a tenant abandons a rented property.

Under current rules, because the legal tenancy is still in place the tenant can return at any time – meaning the property cannot be re-let to anyone else.

As well as causing a loss in rental income for landlords, abandoned properties also push up insurance costs and are target for anti-social behaviour and vandalism, he says.

Emerson also recommended bringing in provisions which would allow landlords to seize abandoned properties more easily.

He says: “Unlocking these properties currently stuck in limbo would help maximise the number of homes available for rent, reduce the risks associated with unoccupied properties and give greater income security to landlords, supporting them to increase standards and keeps rents fair.”