New Letting Agent Redress Schemes Slammed As 'Vague and Bureaucratic'

A set of new government redress schemes aimed at policing lettings agents have been slammed as "vague and bureaucratic" on the eve of their implementation. Letting agents will be legally required to sign up to one of three redress schemes that the government insists will "ensure tenants have a straightforward option to hold their agents to account". The redress schemes have been introduced in an attempt to stop letting agents charging excessive fees and employing misleading advertising, as well as combatting so-called 'revenge evictions' when tenants are booted from their homes after complaining about conditions. Read more on 24dash.

Govt Approves Property Ombudsman to Provide Independent Redress Service

The Government has approved The Property Ombudsman (TPO) to provide a free and independent redress service to landlords and tenants, as part of new legislative changes coming into effect for lettings agents. Housing minister Kris Hopkins announced the decision as part of efforts to improve protections for tenants and landlords alike from rogue lettings agents. His announcement follows the Government’s decision to make it a legal requirement for all letting agents and property management agents in England to be a member of an approved redress scheme. It is expected that this legal obligation will come into effect later this year. Read more on the Housing Excellence website.

Housing Minister Pledges Protection from Unscrupulous Landlords

Millions of tenants and leaseholders will receive stronger protection from unscrupulous letting agents, Housing Minister Kris Hopkins has said. The minister has revealed three approved ‘redress schemes’ that all letting and property management agents will be required to join later this year – which the government says will give tenants and leaseholders a "straightforward option to hold their agents to account". The three schemes – The Property Ombudsman, Ombudsman Services Property and The Property Redress Scheme – will offer independent investigation of complaints about hidden fees or poor service. Where a complaint is upheld, tenants and leaseholders could receive compensation. Read more on GovUK.