Scottish Government
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Views sought on letting agents code of practice
Agents will have to register under new proposals.
Views are being sought on proposals to implement a new code of practice for letting agents.
A consultation began yesterday to gather opinions on the Letting Agents Code of Practice, and the requirement for letting agents to undergo training before they can be added to a register.
Following the closing date, all responses will be analysed to help determine the training requirements and finalise the code of practice.
Housing Minister Margaret Burgess said:
“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.
“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.”
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.
The statutory Letting Agents Code of Practice will be fundamental to the effectiveness of the new regulatory framework.
Notes To Editors
The consultation invites written responses by November 15 2015. The consultation can be accessed at http://www.gov.scot/consultations/current
