Views Sought on Letting Agents Code of Practice

The Scottish Government has launched a consultation over proposals to implement a new code of practice for letting agents and the requirement for letting agents to undergo training before they can be added to a register.

“The Scottish Government wants to see a private rented sector that provides good quality homes and high management standards, inspires consumer confidence and encourages growth,” explained Housing Minister Margaret Burgess.

“Letting agents are vital to helping achieve this vision, and this new framework, including the code of practice, will support the industry to improve standards, provide a good service to both landlords and tenants, and empower customers,” she added.

The Housing (Scotland) Act 2014 introduces a framework for the regulation of letting agents in Scotland. This includes:

• A mandatory register for letting agents with an associated ‘fit and proper’ person test;
• A training requirement that must be met before an applicant can be admitted to the register;
• A statutory code of practice all letting agents must follow;
• A way for tenants and landlords to resolve complaints against letting agents for breaches of this Code through a new specialist First-tier Tribunal; and
• Powers for Scottish Ministers to obtain information and of inspection to monitor compliance and enforce regulatory requirements.

According to the Government, the statutory Letting Agents Code of Practice will be fundamental to the effectiveness of the new regulatory framework.

The consultation will run until the 15th November 2015.

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