Paragon Mortgages’ Trends survey, a quarterly survey of landlords, found that 56% of landlords believe that the introduction of the Government’s proposed national landlord register will deter landlords from making further investments in the private rented sector.

Meanwhile, 57% believe that the register will force some landlords out of the sector because of the increased regulatory burden.

The Government has proposed a national register of English landlords which would include a landlord’s name, address and the addresses of their rental properties. The register would be run by an independent organisation and landlords would have to register each year. In return, landlords would receive a unique landlord registration number to be used in tenancy agreements, court proceedings and housing benefit claims.

A quarter of landlords believe that the register will be helpful for tenants, but a third state that it will offer no benefit to tenants. Meanwhile, nearly half (48%) do not believe that the register will help raise standards in the private rented sector.

John Heron , Paragon Mortgages’ managing director, said: “Landlords are already subject to an estimated 50 Acts of Parliament and 70 sets of regulation