DEMAND for rented property has increased at its fastest rate for four years, according to a new survey.

The number of people wanting to rent flats and houses rose significantly in the second quarter of the year, the study for The Royal Institution for Chartered Surveyors (RICS) showed.

But the Residential Landlords Association (RLA) warned that demand could outstrip supply. New "draconian" rules in the incoming Housing Act will drive landlords out of the market and lead to rent rises, it said.

The Housing Act, due in force later this year, requires a more rigorous registration procedure for landlords, with homes subject to stringent tests. RLA chairman Chris Town said such legislation was "ill-considered". Tweet