A Mortgage Trust survey revealed that 27% of landlords target the corporate tenant market when letting their property. This has jumped from 14.4% since the beginning of the year.

Couples still remain the most desirable tenants, with 52% of landlords claiming they target this market, followed by single people (34%) and families not on housing benefit (28%). However, the percentage of landlords claiming that they target these tenants when marketing their properties has fallen since January.

The growth in the popularity of corporate tenants reflects the financial benefits that this market offers. Lettings are usually arranged over periods for longer than a year and as the rent is being paid by a business, there is less chance of the tenant defaulting.

Mortgage Trust managing director John Heron said: “Corporate tenants offer landlords stability and they also tend to pay above average rents because they demand high quality properties and want the right locations for their employees.

“This market is going from strength to strength as more businesses turn to the private rented sector to house employees that may have to work on a short-term contract away from home or from another country. It’s a cost-effective alternative to these companies actually owning property.”

Mortgage Trust has issued a top tips list, with location, good transport links and access to amenities among the priorities.