The government’s housing policy is bordering on shambolic, according to the Residential Landlords Association (RLA), driving more people with landlord insurance out of the social housing market.

Councils and private owners with landlord insurance are starting to prepare themselves for the exodus of tenants from London caused by the cuts in housing benefits.

The third quarter of the year has seen tenant demand for privately rented homes continue, which will provide a boost to those whose properties qualify for let property insurance.

The Private Rented Sector Summit has seen a number of issues raised by landlords whose properties qualify for buy-to-let insurance, as new figures show rents have gone up.