Michelle Stevenson is a Partner and Head of Housing at Kirwans Solicitors in Liverpool.

Over the past few years we have seen a dramatic increase in the amount of people entering the rental market.

Tighter lending conditions have meant a limited availability of mortgages, which in turn, has forced many people to rent rather than buy. It has also meant those in rented properties are staying for longer periods of time. It is estimated that around 54% of Britons are now in rented accommodation.

Social housing is also in short supply, and although the government plans to invest in social housing sector over the coming years, at present, tenants are often left with little choice than to enter the private sector.

This has been great news for private landlords. However, while investing in a rental property may sound like an easy way to make money, what happens when a tenant stops paying the rent or damages the property, and you need to take back possession of your property?

Evictions can be both problematic and costly for landlords if they do not follow the correct procedure. Landlords need to ensure they follow the correct procedures so that they do not leave themselves open to any unforeseen liabilities.

At Kirwans, we are offering a free legal seminar in Liverpool on June 9 which is open to landlords involved in residential lettings and concentrates on the law surrounding possession proceedings and unlawful eviction. It is aimed at providing landlords with a step by step guide to following the correct procedure to obtain possession of the problems, and also to highlight the consequences they may face if they do not comply.

To book a place, please email ascragg@kirwanssolicitors.co.uk