The number of tenants in serious rent arrears has risen to the highest level for two years.

The claim comes this morning from LSL chains Your Move and Reeds Rains.

They estimate that there are now 74,000 tenants owing more than two months rent, as of the end of the second quarter of this year.

If correct, it means 5,000 more households are in significant arrears than a year ago.

The agents say, however, despite the recent worsening of arrears, they remain relatively mild by comparison. In the third quarter of 2012, 116,600 tenants were more than two months late in rent.