The number of tenants experiencing rent increases fell by 18 percentage points to 32 per cent in November, according to Arla Propertymark.

However, year-on-year this figure is up from 21 per cent seen in November 2018.

Demand fell on a monthly basis, dropping from an average of 72 prospective tenants registered per member branch to 67. The data shows that demand has fallen now for the third consecutive month.

Looking at supply, the number of properties managed per branch rose from 201 to 203 between October and November.

On a yearly basis, supply is up from the average of 183 properties managed per branch in November 2018.

Arla Propertymark chief executive David Cox says: “The ongoing uncertainties of Brexit and the general election have caused people to hold off on their property search until some political clarity is reached, which has led to this fall in demand.

“Now that the election has brought some political stability, tenants will likely be looking for properties again and the new government must recognise the importance of making the market attractive for both tenants and landlords.

“They must be very careful about reforming Section 21 which could cause supply to plummet, and if it is to be abolished, Section 8 must be reformed first and a new specialist housing tribunal created. Without this, supply will almost certainly fall which will have the consequential effect of raising rents.

“Further, the government should seek to reassure tenants by implementing the recommendations set out by the Regulation of Property Agents working group; something we have long called for.”