More needs to be done to help landlords who have tenants who do not pay rent, according to estate planning advice from a site that offers products and services to the landlord community.

Mark Garner, founder of LettingZone.com, said the eviction process to repossess properties with tenants who do not pay rent can take six months or longer.

He stated that during this time landlords often have to continue paying the mortgage, without income from owed rent.

"This is the major block to more investment in the PRS [private rented sector] by local landlords," Mr Garner added.

The LettingZone founder suggested that what is required is local Housing Courts, which would sort out all housing issues between tenants and landlords.

Mr Garner noted that this system would reduce the burden on county courts and speed up the eviction process.

His comments follow the release of a consultation document by the government on the role of the private rented sector in supporting economic recovery.