Pictured above: John French

An increasing number of tenants are struggling to pay their rent and a leading Midlands law firm has warned landlords the consequences of handling the situation incorrectly could be severe.

According to the Association of Residential Lettings Agents (ARLA) of 554 lettings agents surveyed 40 per cent of landlords had experienced a rise in the number of tenants struggling to pay rent during the previous six months.

Now Coventry solicitors Band Hatton, based in Station Square, has warned the procedure for recovering rent arrears or evicting non-paying tenants from property is a highly complex area of law which can result in hefty fines and even imprisonment for landlords who do not follow the correct procedures.

John French, solicitor at Band Hatton which has been providing legal expertise since 1896 and acts for a significant number of letting agents and private landlords, said: "In the current economic climate it is likely there will continue to be an increasing number of tenants who struggle to make their rent payments.

"Landlords should move to protect themselves and their financial interests by seeking professional legal advice before any real problems occur.

"Help can be given with procedures such as preparing and issuing statutory notices, applying for possession orders, issuing proceedings for recovery of rent and drafting or reviewing tenancy agreements.

"Failure to comply fully with this heavily regulated area of law can have huge personal and financial consequences - so my advice would be to seek advice before it is too late."

Residential property landlords can get more information on this area of law by calling John French at Band Hatton on 02476 493114 to arrange a no-obligation consultation.