Regulations for Lettings Agents

People living in rented properties in Shropshire need to ensure their letting agent is authorised to a redress scheme following the introduction of new regulations.

From October 1, anyone carrying out “lettings agency work” in England must belong to a Government-authorised redress scheme or face a fine of up to £5,000.

Dawn Clarke, head of our residential lettings team, is regional spokeswoman for ARLA (Association of Residential Letting Agents), and gives this advice:

“The reference to ‘lettings agency work’ includes anyone who is a letting agent, a relocation agent or a property management agent. All of these people must now belong to one of three schemes otherwise they are not able to continue in their role.

“The three current schemes include the Property Redress Scheme, the Property Ombudsman, and Ombudsman Services - Property.

“The lettings industry is quite rightly highly regulated, which is important when you are dealing with properties and people’s standards of living.

“It is vital that tenants are aware of the deadline and they can then ensure they are using a letting agent who is meeting all of the standards needed.”

For more information, call Dawn on 01952 290163 of visit www.arla.co.uk for details about the Association of Residential Letting Agents.