Citizens Advice defends action trying to hunt out bad letting agents

The Citizens Advice Bureau is co-operating with Trading Standards in Northamptonshire to try to root out bad practice by letting agents.

An online survey asks consumers a series of questions about problems they have had with a letting agent, and asks them to name the agent.

One Northampton agent said the move was concerning and reminiscent of a witch hunt: “The Citizens Advice Bureau is a publicly funded body that’s supposed to give everyone basic advice when needed. However, here it seems to be deliberately seeking out problems in one particular sector.

“As a taxpayer I’m curious to know why my money is being spent seemingly targeting a specific part of the private sector.”

CAB launched the survey with considerable local publicity in the local papers and with a radio interview.

Martin Lord, chief executive of Central and East Northamptonshire CAB, said: “The Citizens Advice network is the UK’s consumer champion. We provide advice to people who need help with consumer problems, including issues with landlords, letting agencies, dodgy used cars and cowboy builders.

"Bureaux do vital work to tackle common issues at the root by advocating for changes which will protect consumers.
 
“Central and East Northamptonshire CAB helps with hundreds of  problems with privately rented accommodation every year – including letting agencies – so we know that this is an issue for people in the local area.

"Through our survey, we want to gather more evidence so we can work with local lettings agents and Trading Standards to nip problems in the bud and make sure renters have all the information they need when they enter into a contract.”
 
https://www.surveymonkey.com/s/8VXJ3ZL