As a result of the move landlords can now access tenancy agreements, reference letters, and more without taking out NLA membership. Instead, users simply register as a 'landlord associate' - a free process that takes place online.

NLA chief executive Richard Lambert said: "The NLA is committed to raising standards across the private rented sector. While we are primarily a membership organisation, we believe we should support all landlords who share our commitment to managing tenancies properly and professionally.

"That's why we are making our approved tenancy agreements (which cover England, Wales, and Scotland) available to [landlords] for free, along with the other sample forms and letters which a landlord may need during the life cycle of a tenancy."

According to NLA chairman David Salusbury, "letting property is a big responsibility: landlords are dealing with people's homes, a whole raft of housing legislation, and day to day maintenance. It is essential that they know what they are doing before they dive in and that they comply with the law and best practice once they do.

"Offering landlords in the UK access to best practice tenancy agreements and other necessary forms is a great way for a landlord to begin to run their business properly."

Last month the NLA indicated that it intends for all members to pass its accreditation process. This involves completion of an "NLA foundation course", along with ongoing courses. The Association says this will provide members with "a means of objectively demonstrating their knowledge and competence as landlords."

Landlords can register for the NLA's free library service here.

This is according to new figures from the Legal Services Board, which suggest that the average cost of each legal issue runs to £6,700. This puts the total cost to UK business at some £100 billion.

Of those problems, nearly 50 per cent concerned other businesses. Some 18 per cent were with individuals, 17 per cent were with the government, and 10 per cent were with employees. Just 5 per cent of small businesses have an in-house legal expert, according to the figures. Some 8 per cent have a legal retainer.

A single legal issue can be crippling for small businesses. It is therefore vital that you take precautions to ensure that you are protected as far as is possible.

Riverview Law is concerned that businesses are not taking legal advice because of the perceived cost. They have compiled a series of guidelines to help small businesses deal with the legal professions.

1. Get as much as you can for free
The 'ticking clock' is one of the biggest gripes businesses have with lawyers. You should be paying for bespoke legal advice, not a document a lawyer pulls out of a drawer. Look for lawyers that provide free library access to a range of documents and will talk to you for free.

2. Negotiate hard
Start your conversation with any firm by saying you require price certainty. If they won't agree, walk away; there are plenty of lawyers out there who will.

3. Prevent as well as cure
Don't wait for the worst to happen. Take a pro-active approach to your legal affairs by reviewing the areas of your business affected by legislation and getting a legal health check or document review to reduce or eliminate future issues.

You should also remember the importance of proper business insurance. Legal expenses cover can pay out in the event that you are embroiled in a legal dispute, and is a key precaution to help you guarantee the financial stability of your business.

Every business should have comprehensive business insurance. Legal cover, along with other applicable insurance types, can be included in a single policy. You can compare business insurance quotes quickly and easily using an online broker such as Simply Business.

The announcement comes as part of a package of measures approved following Lord Young's recommendations on small businesses.

Start-Up Loans are currently available to would-be entrepreneurs between the age of 18 and 30. The removal of the upper age limit was one of the headline recommendations in Lord Young's report.

More than 5,000 of the loans have now been made. They are unsecured, and come with a comprehensive programme of business mentoring. The Start-Up Loans Company, which is chaired by James Caan, has a total pot of over £100 million from which to draw, and it is expected that this will be expanded.

The government has now called on the Start-Up Loans Company to draw up a plan for removing the age cap. It is not clear when this will occur.

Meanwhile the government also announced the impending introduction of a new Growth Voucher scheme, worth £30 million. This scheme is designed to encourage small businesses to buy in specialist help in areas like marketing and financial management.

Business owners can already apply for up to £5,000 similar so-called 'innovation vouchers'. You can read more about applying for Start-Up Loans here.