Landlords have backed plans for the sector’s two largest representative bodies to merge, with the aim of providing a stronger voice for the private rented sector.

Following meetings held yesterday, members of the National Landlords Association  and the Residential Landlords Association have voted for the two organisations to unite to form the National Residential Landlords Association (NRLA).

The new organisation will be by far the largest organisation in the sector. Its members will own and manage half a million properties, about 10% of the private rented sector. It will officially launch on January 1.

The two outgoing chairs, Alan Ward (RLA) and Adrian Jeakings (NLA), said in a joint statement: “We are delighted that landlords have backed plans for a new, stronger body to represent them and their interests.

“The new organisation will have a more powerful voice to support landlords, provide services to them and to lobby government.

“Both organisations will now move forward together to appoint a new chair and directors for the NRLA. We will be seeking candidates internally and externally and we would welcome expressions of interest from members for these posts.”