Posted 06.10.14
New rules have come into force that require letting agents to join 1 of 3 redress schemes, to ensure tenants and leaseholders have a straightforward option to hold them to account.
The redress schemes will help ensure standards are maintained and provide tenants with somewhere to go if they feel like they are getting a poor deal.
The schemes - run by The Property Ombudsman, Ombudsman Services Property and the Property Redress Scheme - offer independent investigation into complaints about hidden fees or poor service.
Where a complaint is upheld, tenants and leaseholders could receive compensation.
The move is the latest in a wider drive to build a bigger, better private rented sector and give greater protection without introducing excessive regulation that would harm tenants, landlords and agents.
The Government is also introducing new legislation to require letting agents to publish a full tariff of their fees, ensuring that tenants have full upfront knowledge of what they will be charged.
Last month a new code of practice was published making clear the legal requirements of landlords and letting agents alike, leaving both in no doubt about their responsibilities to their tenants.
Housing Minister Brandon Lewis said:
"The vast majority of letting agents provide a good service, but in the small number of cases where people have complaints these should be addressed quickly and effectively.
"The redress schemes provide that safety net, and as well as help maintaining high standards across letting agencies, will give tenants the extra confidence that they are getting a fair deal."
The Government has introduced other new measures to give tenants more confidence and provide clarity about their rights, including:
