A petition has been launched on the Government website demanding the reintroduction of full mortgage interest relief for private landlords, and the dropping of the 3% Stamp Duty surcharge when additional properties are bought.

It alleges that both measures had increased homelessness by driving landlords out of the sector.

The petition, which runs until November 14, was launched earlier this month and has already attracted over 11,500 signatures which means the government must respond.

It says: “We call on the Government to reintroduce full mortgage interest relief and to drop the 3% Stamp Duty surcharge which is increasing homelessness by driving many landlords out of the sector, meaning tenants have less choice and higher rents.

“There will still be a continuing growth in demand for housing and a significant part of this will have to be available through private landlords.

“It is time to review the tax changes on buy-to-let landlords. It’s clear that the availability of rental property has decreased and rents have risen markedly.

“We call for policy change to end these disastrous tax policies which cause such profound suffering.”

The petition is launched by Mark Homer, one half of property investor training organisation Progressive Property.

To sign the petition follow this link https://petition.parliament.uk/petitions/219279