The proportion of private rented homes managed by letting agents has reached its highest level in at least two years, as landlords prepare for further changes to rental regulation.
Research conducted by Pegasus Insight among National Residential Landlords Association members found that 66% of private rentals in England and Wales are now administered by a letting agent in some way.
The NRLA said landlords are increasingly turning to agents for support as they navigate the Renters' Rights Act and prepare for further regulation.
However, the association has warned that greater reliance on agents could increase the risks for landlords where staff lack sufficient knowledge or training.
It pointed to official data showing that 59% of renters whose properties are fully managed by an agent are satisfied with the repairs service they receive. This compares with 73% of tenants in properties fully managed by their landlord.
The NRLA is calling on the Government to introduce minimum education and training standards for agency staff. Ministers have so far committed to consulting on the issue next year.
Ben Beadle, chief executive of the National Residential Landlords Association, said: "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."
