Keats Estate and Letting Agents in Haslemere are speaking out following the government announcement on 24 January 2019 of wide-ranging changes to redress systems for agents, the sales and lettings sectors, and other parts of the property industry. The announcement follows the government receiving some 1,209 responses from consumers and industry, in a formal consultation process about improving redress.
Currently landlords in the private rented sector do not have to register with a complaints system. However, under the latest plans, it will become a legal requirement for landlords in the private rented sector to join a redress scheme, or they could face a fine of up to £5,000 for failing to do so.
Rita Tinney Group Sales and Lettings Director of Keats commented: “While I’m not a fan of yet more regulation for the industry the intended requirement to include ALL landlords to become part of a redress scheme is welcomed.
“All too often agents are caught in the crossfire when trying to balance their obligations to the landlord with their duty of care to tenant. Raising awareness among landlords and placing more responsibility on them will help lift general awareness regarding property standards and may be the start of having a national landlord database and mandatory qualifications for all property professionals. Although there isn’t a commencement date it is expected this will happen sometime in 2020.”