The RLA has welcomed plans for the regulation of letting and managing agents – as communities secretary Sajid Javid today issued a call for evidence on the plans.
In a speech to the Association of Residential Managing Agents (ARMA) he said that while there are decent, law abiding managing agents out there, there are now too many horror stories – and action is needed to protect landlords and tenants from unfair costs and excessive service charges.
The call for evidence is asking for views on whether a new regulatory model is needed for agents in the leasehold sector – as announced at the Conservative Party Conference.
The review will examine if a new independent regulatory body is needed – and if separate bodies should be established for both leasehold and private rented management and letting agents.
It also asks what form regulation of letting and managing agents should take ‘to best protect and empower tenants and leaseholders’.
RLA Chairman Alan Ward said: “Bad agents let down landlords as well as tenants and controls which support quality letting agents are to be welcomed.”
The six-week call for evidence period runs until November 29 , with the government planning to bring forward detailed proposals early next year.
