A fifth of private-residential landlords have had tenants in rent arrears over the last three months, according to new research published by the National Landlords Association (NLA).

During the second quarter of this year, more than 21 per cent of landlords experienced rental arrears. This represents a small improvement on the previous quarter when 24.5 per cent of landlords reported arrears.

However, the average amount of outstanding rent arrears has dropped significantly from £978 in the first quarter to £799 in the second.

This could indicate that financial pressures on tenants have started to ease as the fragile economic recovery continues.

The chairman of the NLA, David Salusbury, said: "Rent arrears are a serious problem for landlords all over the UK.

"It is good to see the latest data, which represents a small improvement in that more tenants are keeping up with their rent payments and not putting pressure on their landlords, who may well have mortgage repayments to consider.

"It is critical that tenants and landlords communicate and work together to tackle financial problems before they result in a loss of rent or even the tenancy.

"Where problems do exist, the NLA's new service is designed for landlords who need a helping hand in guiding them through what can be particularly stressful and complicated procedures, which must be carried out correctly.

"NLA Rent Arrears provides a structured and cost-effective route for resolving such situations."

NLA Rent Arrears is an easy-to-use online facility whereby landlords are able to instruct NLA's Rent Recovery Team to collect outstanding rental amounts from tenants.

Acting on a landlord's behalf, NLA Rent Arrears will contact tenants by telephone or letter, visit them at the rental property, serve notices and undertake possession proceedings. Whichever service is required, the NLA guarantees a professional approach to landlord and tenant alike.