Elaine Angelidis, who manages properties across Glasgow and the west of Scotland, said that stricter regulations and a clearer model rental agreement, which promotes greater understanding between tenants and landlords, will deliver the kind of flexible rented accommodation needed to support the city’s economy.

Citing her own experience of renting properties to a range of people from different backgrounds and circumstances, Ms Angelidis said that it was important the role of the private rented sector (PRS) was better understood and its contribution acknowledged.

The statement comes as new research by Direct Line found two thirds of renters saying they have no intention of purchasing a property; and with 25% of those people saying they simply do not want the financial commitment that comes with owning a home; and 17% saying they preferred the flexibility which renting provides.

The Scottish Association of Landlords (SAL) believes the PRS is vital in other ways and has asked the Scottish Government to carry out a thorough analysis of the economic impact of the sector. As well as the economic benefits of direct employment in the sector, SAL says the PRS also supports thousands of jobs through the supply chain of trades responsible for carrying out safety checks, maintenance or upgrade of properties, to ensure the high standards placed on those properties in the PRS are maintained.

In addition, SAL says the PRS is vital in providing accommodation for businesses seeking to expand, with staff moving from other parts of the country; and needing medium-term accommodation for new staff whilst they decide if they wish to try and purchase a home in a new city.

Elaine Angelidis, a landlord with properties within and outside of Glasgow, said: “I have been a landlord for around 15 years, am proud to be a member of SAL and to have undertaken the latest training from Landlord Accreditation Scotland (LAS). Involvement with both bodies ensures I have access to the information and support necessary to fulfil my obligations as a landlord.

“Our tenants are all ages, come from all backgrounds and are renting for a variety of different reasons. Some rent because they enjoy the flexibility it provides and which could allow them to progress their career more quickly, whilst others simply want high quality accommodation without the financial responsibility which arises from home ownership.

“It is clear that being able to provide this kind of high quality accommodation in Glasgow is very important to the local economy, both directly through maintenance we undertaken in our properties and indirectly by providing flexible accommodation in the city.”

John Blackwood, chief executive of SAL, said: “We are seeing more and more evidence that the PRS is vital in supporting local economies, through direct employment, supply chain jobs and because major cities, such as Glasgow, need a broad mix of accommodation if it is to grow and prosper in the future.

“It is vital that private landlords are held to the highest standards and that those are effectively enforced by the authorities. In addition, we would like to see further study undertaken to quantify the economic contribution which the PRS delivers.”