Three Compulsory Redress Schemes Approved by Government

Under new plans announced by housing minister Kris Hopkins, all letting and property management agents in the UK will have to join one of three government-approved redress schemes. This means greater protection for tenants and lease holders.

The approved schemes are: The Property Ombudsman, The Property Redress Scheme, and Ombudsman Services Property. They will independently investigate complaints about hidden fees or poor service. Tenants and lease holders could receive compensation if a complaint is upheld.

Although the majority of letting agents are already signed up to one of the three, there are still some 3,000 that are not held accountable – roughly 40% of the entire industry. These will be encouraged to join immediately, before it becomes a legal requirement later this year.

Kris Hopkins said, “All tenants and lease holders have a right to fair and transparent treatment from their letting agent. Most are happy with the service they receive, but a small minority of agents are ripping people off, and giving the whole industry a bad name.

“That’s why we will require all agents to belong to one of the official redress schemes. They will ensure tenants have a straightforward route to take action if they get a poor deal, while avoiding excessive red tape that would push up rents and reduce choice for tenants.”let-leeds-landlord-news-three-compulsory-redress-schemes-approved-by-government

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