The UK’s rental market faces an uncertain future as landlords struggle to navigate an onslaught of confusing legislation and soaring costs according to a new report from landlord insurance provider, Simply Business.

To produce the report, the company surveyed 2,000 landlords. Almost three-quarters think the new Government will have a negative impact on the buy-to-let market. Half emphasised that they think that the result will be ‘very negative’.

Two thirds identified constantly changing and confusing government legislation as their biggest challenge. This, says Simply Business, marks a notable increase from previous years, reflecting growing frustration within the sector and laying down the gauntlet for the new Government.

The company added: “Despite a bleak backdrop, rental demand remains high, and this important sector shows its resilience once again. Although only 41% of landlords say they think letting a property is a worthwhile investment, 62% say they don’t plan to sell in the next 12 months.”

When it comes to the Renters’ Rights Bill, although the majority welcome attempts to drive up standards, more than two-thirds (69%) fear evictions will be more expensive and time-consuming, with 62% saying they expect the removal of Section 21 will encourage landlords to sell up.