More than 70 landlords have signed up to attend an annual forum looking to address the challenges which are making so many sell up.

Open to private-sector landlords and property professionals, a key topic will be how to stem the flow of landlords quitting the sector due to increasing regulatory pressures and declining returns for investors. All of which then puts a strain on the rental sector.

A spokesperson for the event, which takes place at the offices of the Kent Invicta Chamber of Commerce in Ashford on February 21, explained: “Rent rises have been driven by increases in the Bank of England Base Rate, with buy-to-let mortgage products being removed from sale and repriced at higher rates.

“Many landlords are struggling to offset these higher mortgage rates and are taking the decision to leave the market altogether or to reduce the number of properties they let to tenants.”

The event is organised by the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA) and Ashford Borough Council’s ABC Lettings service.

The NRLA will update landlords on legislative changes which will impact how they run their businesses and deal with tenants.

The event runs from 9.30am to 3.30pm at the chamber’s Ashford Business Point site. To book a free place click here.

The day will include presentations from Kent County Council’s No Use Empty initiative as well as legal and fire safety guidance.