Landowners positive about letting agents' proposed code of practice

Scottish Land & Estates, a body representing private landowners north of the border, says it is positive about proposals to improve industry standards in the lettings sector.

The Scottish Government is proposing through the Housing (Scotland) Act 2014 to improve professionalism in the sector, through a number of measures which have proved controversial to some. These include pssible training for agents, the removal of ‘no fault’ possession at the end of leases, a new tenancy framework and possible rent controls. 

SL&E says it welcomes the principles of tightening regulations where a minority of the sector failed to provide a decent quality of service but that care needs to be taken that any new measures do not become too burdensome for most agents that already perform well. 

“It is important for landlords that they know their property is being professionally managed by someone who is up to date, and acting in line with a recognised code of practice which includes clauses covering protection of clients’ money and complaints procedures” says a group representative.

“We believe more work is required on how to establish if a letting agent is suitably trained. There are a number of qualifications and training programmes currently available and the important aspect is that those working in the sector have had sufficient training and are aware of best practice and current regulations.”