Clampdown on letting agents announced

Posted: 07 May 2009 11:30:00 GMT

Every year, hundreds of thousands of pounds of consumers' money is lost to unethical letting agents, new research indicates.

According to a survey by the Association of Residential Letting Agents (Arla), these unprotected and unprofessional firms need to be clamped down upon.

In response to an Arla study, which revealed 95 per cent of consumers want letting agents to be licensed, the organisation has opted to launch a new letting agent scheme to monitor those conducting their business in the industry.

With such a high percentage of people in favour of keeping closer tabs on agents, the option to advertise a property online may become more attractive.

Housing minister Iain Wright supports any moves to increase check-ups on unscrupulous letting agents.

"Many residential letting agents operate with great professionalism and there are already ways of seeking redress when these standards haven't been met, but we have to go further," he explained.


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