One in five UK landlords entered the world of buy-to-let unintentionally, finding themselves with a property “accidentally” or acquiring it through inheritance, according to the latest sentiment research from Foundation Home Loans.

The study revealed that, when asked how they first become a landlord, 14% stated that it was through an accidental circumstance, such as marriage or relocation, which resulted in them having to comply with different rules and regulations. Nearly 10% of landlords inherited their properties, which also has its own complex tax challenges to navigate.

Almost one quarter of the landlords surveyed became a landlord purely for financial gain, considering it to be an attractive investment, with 21% planning to use earned rental income to fund their retirement plans. A fifth of the landlords reported that they are full-time and do not have another job, with the greatest proportion doing so in London as landlords recognise the growing demand for rental properties in the capital, stemming primarily from young professionals.

However, 60% of landlords have an additional full-time job and are landlords in their spare time, while 19% have a part-time job and spread their time among various landlord duties.

Despite the method in which they became landlords, or how much time is spent on day-to-day management, 17% admitted they would be increasing the size of their portfolio in the next 12 months, after recognising the benefits of investing in B2L.

Foundation Home Loans marketing director Jeff Knight said: “With so much regulation introduced into the Buy to Let market in the last few years, it could be easy for those who are unplanned landlords to make a swift exit rather than stay and navigate the red tape. That said, no matter how they found themselves owning rental property, it’s clear landlords are interested by the buy-to-let market for a variety of reasons and objectives, financial or otherwise. Considering the rental sector forms an increasingly important part of the housing mix, landlords need to be armed with the right advice. Our findings indicate plenty of the ‘accidental landlords’ are looking to expand their portfolios and remain invested in the market, which will ultimately have a positive impact on quality and choice for renters.”

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