A national newspaper journalist and her lettings agent husband have teamed up to write a book for the much-underserved generation of accidental landlords.

Martina Lees, who writes for the Sunday Times, and Daniel Lees, of lettings agents Swift Property, have drawn on their experiences of becoming accidental landlords to write a guide encompassing the 140-plus laws on letting, tax changes and post-Brexit market jitters.

It includes hands-on advice on every step of the lettings process and dozens of humorous anecdotes, from the neighbouring brothel Daniel once shut down by hiring a security guard to the pet python he needed to rescue from a leak just before Christmas Eve.

It is the first book aimed specifically at the growing army of about 500,000 accidental landlords.

Daniel told EYE: “There is very little support for accidental landlords that takes note of the emotion involved in a property rather than just a pure investment.

“Lettings agents have a role to play in raising standards and establishing long-term relationships to help in this area. That is why I set up my agency.”

Swift Property lets and manages the south-west London properties of accidental landlords who between them live in 13 countries.

Daniel added: “The rental market has become more expensive, regulated and taxed than ever amid the government’s attempts to deal with the housing crisis – and it will probably get even tougher.

“Our book offers peace of mind to owners who end up letting out their homes without having bought them as intentional buy-to-let investments.”

‘The Accidental Landlord: The Keys To Letting Out Your Own Property With Complete Peace Of Mind’ is available in book shops and on Amazon at £12.99. Published by Rethink Press; accidental landlord.info