Buy-to-let landlords would be wise to note that a proposed planning order could have a devastating effect on the rental market, one expert has suggested.

Alan Ward, chairman of the Residential Landlords Association (RLA), says if the Planning Use Classes Order takes effect in April, landlords will be required to apply for planning permission if they wish to rent their property out to three or more unrelated tenants.

“The rental market will be wrecked for landlords wanting to offer property to sharers like nurses, young professionals and students,” he states.

Mr Ward suggests, the buy-to-let market has not yet realised the “devastating potential” that new planning laws could have on the sector.

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