Taylor Vinters - Solicitors

The National Landlords Association (NLA) has announced the launch of a new database to protect tenants against unscrupulous landlords.

According to the organisation, many people may be letting properties from landlords who claim to be professional when, in reality, they lack a basic understanding of the industry.

The new online database will register all official NLA landlords so that would-be tenants can check to see if the claims made by prospective landlords are true.

It is hoped the database will offer tenants peace of mind by ensuring all registered property owners are subject to the NLA code of practice.

David Salusbury, chairman of the association, suggested that the database should raise stands within the letting sector.

He commented: "Not only does the database provide tenants with a level of security that a landlord is bound by certain standards of practice, but it also offers our landlord members the chance to demonstrate current or potential tenants that they are part of the cream of the crop in the lettings business."

The NLA last month claimed landlord registration policies differ between UK countries, which may be a source of confusion.