Propertymark has consistently called for better coordination between enforcement bodies, and a national register of landlords and letting agents. Our own research has shown that local authority teams are often underfunded and overstretched, leaving them unable to investigate complaints properly.
This latest evidence supports our longstanding view that properly trained, professional agents are part of the solution. Our ongoing work with stakeholders promotes best practice and pushes for enforcement action that targets those who deliberately break the rules.
Read the TDS Charitable Foundation report
Agents bridge the gap
A Freedom of Information request submitted by Propertymark in January 2024, discovered that 52% of local authorities in England had not held a landlord forum since 2021, supporting TDS’s findings that tenants often receive poor or misleading advice from informal sources.
Qualified letting agents play a key role in protecting tenants by ensuring properties meet legal standards and by offering clear, informed advice. Propertymark members undertake continuous professional development and have access to resources which keep them up with ever-changing legislation, ensuring they are equipped to act as a vital point of contact for tenants and landlords navigating complex situations.
Our position paper on the case for regulation outlines further measures that should be taken to enhance sector credibility, such as introducing a code of practice, amending outdated acts such as The Estate Agents Act 1979 and introducing minimum operating requirements. This would create enhanced transparency and give consumers even more control over who manages their property.
Property agents: the case for regulation
Regulation offers the potential to professionalise the industry, stamp out bad practice, create transparency and give consumers more control over who manages their property. Minimum qualification requirements and statutory Code of Practices to be adhered to by all letting and managing agents in England and sales agents across the UK should be introduced.
Renters' Rights Bill: fair and workable reform
The challenges highlighted in this report mirror issues being debated in the Renters' Rights Bill, particularly around enforcement and standards in the PRS . Propertymark has called for clear, workable rules that support good agents and landlords while targeting those who operate illegally.
Whilst it is disappointing to see the regulation of property agents omitted from the Bill, it is encouraging that the UK Government has committed to strengthen the regulation of managing agents.
Leasehold reforms see further consultations and regulating managing agents
Housing Minister Matthew Pennycook MP candidly admitted that the current Act contains flaws requiring further legislative action and has unveiled a series of consultations and measures. He has also committed to strengthening the regulation of managing agents, including as a minimum, mandatory professional qualifications.
