REGULATORY FRAMEWORK FOR LETTINGS AGENTS

Early day motion 815, tabled 4 December 2012 by Annette Brooke (Liberal Democrat). Signed by 36 members.

That this House believes that the current regulatory framework for lettings agents offers limited and inconsistent protection of the consumer, creates red tape for business and restricts investment in the private rented sector, does not reflect how consumers interact in the sector and provides no clear distinction between how sales and lettings businesses are now organised; notes that any individual can set up and practise as a lettings agent; understands the importance of a redress mechanism for customer complaints; and urges the Government to require lettings agents to be members of a Government-approved redress scheme and to meet statutory minimum professional standards to trade.

Signatures by party: Labour 19, Liberal Democrat 11, DUP 2, Conservative 1, Green 1, Plaid Cymru 1, Respect 1.