Lettings disputes nearly double that of sales

October 20, 2015

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

Estate Agent Talk

Landlord EICRs Compliance in 2026: EICR Rules, Costs & Risks — Interview with Ethem from Efficient Home Energy

With thousands of landlords approaching their next round of electrical safety renewals, 2026 is shaping up to be a crucial year for safety compliance. In this exclusive interview, Ethem, an electrical safety expert from Efficient Home Energy, breaks down the risks, the regulations and the practical steps landlords and letting agents must take to stay compliant and protect…
Read More →
Breaking News

Mortgage arrears and possessions Q3 2025

UK Finance today releases its latest mortgage arrears and possessions data for Q3 2025, while highlighting continuing lender support for any customers facing financial difficulty. Key Information  The number of homeowner mortgages in arrears fell by four per cent in Q3 2025 compared to the previous quarter. The number of buy-to-let (BTL) mortgages in arrears…
Read More →
Love or Hate Rightmove
Breaking News

Glasgow agents coughing up the most commission to Rightmove

The latest research from The Property DriveBuy reveals that Britain’s estate agents are paying an average of 7.2% of their sales commission to Rightmove, with agents in Glasgow and Newcastle taking the biggest hit from the property portal market leader. The Property DriveBuy has compared the estimated average sales commission of an estate agent in Great…
Read More →
Breaking News

Property transactions forecast to climb 8.5% in 2025

The latest market analysis by GetAgent.co.uk suggests that the doom and gloom headlines surrounding the property market are misplaced, as not only has the market stood firm where property values are concerned, but transactions are forecast to increase by 8.4% across the UK market in 2025 when compared to last year, signalling the strongest year for…
Read More →
Breaking News

Elizabeth line rental growth outpaces wider London market

Elizabeth line rental growth outpaces the wider London market, with commuter towns leading the charge where rents are up 41% The latest research from London lettings and estate agent, Benham and Reeves, has found that since the Elizabeth line fully opened in May 2023, rental growth along the route has outpaced the wider London average…
Read More →
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Rightmove seeks agent views on stamp duty reform to take to government

The UK’s largest property platform Rightmove is calling for agent views on how reforms to the stamp duty system could work best in England. It follows rumours the government is considering changes to the way the tax works in England in the forthcoming Autumn Budget. One rumoured proposal would see the current system replaced by…
Read More →