Lettings disputes nearly double that of sales

The latest interim report released by The Property Ombudsman reveals more than half of the 9141 enquiries received related to lettings disputes, nearly double that of sales.

This not only reinforces the importance of legislation introduced a year ago, making it a legal requirements for all letting agents in England to register with an approved redress scheme, but has left Christopher Hamer, Property Ombudsman, calling for a Property Agents Act, he believes that current provisions do not go far enough in ensuring openness, disclosure and consistency for agents, tenants and landlords alike.

Mr Hamer explained “A Property Agents Act would update the Estate Agents Act 1979 to reflect developments in the sales market and most relevantly now, bring lettings into a precise framework where all agent activity is covered by one piece of legislation.” He has suggested licensing of agents, standardised tenancy agreements and compulsory client money protection could all be areas included in such an Act.

Full details re: Property Ombudsman latest interim report see website: https://www.tpos.co.uk/news-media-and-press-releases/press-releases/item/property-ombudsman-s-final-interim-report-calls-for-property-agents-act?category_id=25

 

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

AI in estate agency letting agency property
Estate Agent Talk

Turning anxiety into advantage: how SMEs can make AI work for them

By Johann Aguirre, founder of Cachi AI   According to the Office for National Statistics, AI adoption among UK businesses has risen from approximately 12% to around 35% since late 2023. However, adoption levels differ considerably depending on the size of a business and the sector in which it operates. Larger, established organisations may be…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

Home gym can add more than £24,500 to the value of a new-build home

The latest research from UK Property Development has revealed which sought-after features can add the most value to a new-build home, with dedicated wellness spaces and premium interior finishes commanding the largest price boosts. The research analysed the estimated potential uplift in value associated with some of today’s most desirable new-build features, applying each uplift to…
Read More
Breaking News

Beachfront homes command £1.4m as Britain’s love affair with the seaside endures

The latest research from LandSale, the property portal dedicated to land and rural property, has found that beachfront homes continue to command a substantial premium across Great Britain, with the typical property carrying a £1.395m asking price, more than five times the average British house price. LandSale analysed its own internal market data for beachfront…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

Four to five houses is the sweet spot for first-time buyers

House hunting before the stress kicks in Just 20% of us feel excited on a first property viewing, rising to 47% by viewings 4 to 5 There’s a U shape trajectory of excitement when it comes to the viewing process However, there is a gradual rise in stress levels the more properties viewed Overall just…
Read More
Estate Agents should not all look the same
Letting Agent Talk

Opinion: Why Letting Agents Are The Cape-Wearing Heroes Landlords Need 

By Sally Lawson | Agent Rainmaker Let’s be honest – no landlords signed up to become compliance officers, legal experts, or legislative gurus. They signed up to invest in property. And yet, the weight of the regulatory obligation that’s landed on their shoulders has never been heavier.  And that’s even before the Renters’ Rights Act…
Read More
Letting Agent Talk

Void periods ease following RRA implementation, but remain higher than a year ago

The latest analysis by property management specialist, Rushbrook & Rathbone, has found that average rental void periods across England have eased since the implementation of the Renters’ Rights Act (RRA) in May, suggesting that landlords are beginning to adapt to the new legislative landscape. The firm believes many are using this period of change as…
Read More