The proposed cuts to local housing allowance (LHA) will force landlords to stop offering property to rent in London and other parts of the country at a faster rate, the Residential Landlords Association (RLA) has said.

Alan Ward, chairman of the RLA, said there is already evidence that landlords are moving out of the private sector and the cuts will only expedite this trend. This would then lead to a lower number of private houses and flats to rent in London.

"It can't be overemphasised how hostile [landlords] are to the current system of direct payment and we want to see a return to the old system of allowing tenants to choose," Mr Ward said.

He highlighted a poll conducted by the RLA, which reveals that 75 per cent of landlords said they will not be prepared to reduce their rental levels as a result of government proposals, while over half (54 per cent) said they plan to stop letting to housing allowance claimants.

According to research from the National Landlords Association, the proposed cuts to LHA could result in up to 90 per cent of private landlords being less likely to take on a tenant receiving benefits.