UKALA Responds to CLG Report on the PRS
UKALA RESPONDS TO CLG REPORT ON THE PRS
UKALA has welcomed the announcement of a package of proposals aimed at tackling poor experiences in the private-rented sector.
Commenting on the announcements Caroline Kenny, UKALA Executive, said:
“Although Mr Pickles’ announcement contains little new policy, it is very reassuring to see the Government focusing on the reinforcement of existing regulation to drive improvements in the lettings industry.
UKALA RESPONDS TO CLG REPORT ON THE PRS
UKALA has welcomed the announcement of a package of proposals aimed at tackling poor experiences in the private-rented sector.
Commenting on the announcements Caroline Kenny, UKALA Executive, said:
“Although Mr Pickles’ announcement contains little new policy, it is very reassuring to see the Government focusing on the reinforcement of existing regulation to drive improvements in the lettings industry.
“UKALA has welcomed the proposed requirement for letting agents to provide access to redress services, but would like to see the Government go further by building on the experience and expertise of those industry bodies which already require higher standards of their members.
“Responsible agents who choose to belong to professional bodies which require client money protection insurance, impartial redress and an adherence to a strict Code of Practice are forced to compete with those who show little regard to professional standards or the needs of their clients.
“We believe that this package of proposals represents a missed opportunity for the Government to make mandatory the kind of comprehensive protections offered by UKALA and others, which are called for by industry and needed by hardworking consumers unable to differentiate between good and bad letting agents.
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Sam Haidar
Senior Press Officer, UKALA
0207 840 8925
press@ukala.org.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS:
About UKALA:
The UK Association of Letting Agents (UKALA) is a trade association representing businesses which facilitate the rental of private residential property in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. All revenues generated are used by the association to support and benefit its members.
UKALA exists to support letting agents who are committed to improving conditions in the private rented sector. UKALA membership requires all applicants to be vetted against UKALA safeguards, and only if the following four requirements are met can lettings agencies become members and be covered by UKALA’s CMP insurance.
- Written confirmation from their bank that they have a clearly segregated client money account.
- Written confirmation from their accountant(s) that their business finances are in order.
- Proof of a minimum level of Professional Indemnity Insurance, to be confirmed by Hamilton Fraser Insurance (HFIS) at the time of application.
- Provide proof of membership of either the Ombudsmen Services or The Property Ombudsman (TPO) as part of independent redress.
Once accepted agent members are required to abide by the UKALA Scheme Rules and Code of Practice; to ensure the highest standards of professionalism and an assurance of quality in residential lettings for both landlords and tenants.
UKALA is dedicated to continuously improving conditions in the private rented sector, by ensuring that landlords and tenants are treated fairly and that best practice is understood and adhered to in residential lettings. www.ukala.org.uk