There is a growing supply crisis in Scotland’s private rented sector, it has been claimed.

According to Lettingweb, advertised rents for two-bedroom accommodation have increased 8.6% in the last year.

Head of research Dan Cookson said: “The private rented sector has grown significantly in recent years, responding to increasing demand for quality and convenient property to rent.

“We need to ensure that supply continues to increase to meet further growth in demand.

“Whilst these figures do cover a period including the Commonwealth Games and the busy summer lettings period, this looks like a significant movement in rent levels.

“Whilst increasing numbers of higher end properties are coming to the rental market, and may be influencing the figures, it’s clear that for many prospective tenants there is simply not enough rented property on the market.”

Lettingweb’s lobbying arm, Letscotland, said it will be lobbing politicians.

Chairman Malcolm Warrack said: “With the independence referendum now behind us, housing needs to be at the top of the political agenda.

“Addressing this increasing demand for private rented housing requires urgent action.

“We must make it easier and more attractive for new investors to enter the market and provide the quality homes of the future.”