The UK Association of Letting Agents (UKALA) has selected Ombudsman Services as its redress provider, ahead of legislative changes that will grant both tenants and landlords the right to independent redress if their agent fails to resolve a complaint.
The new law, part of the Enterprise & Regulatory Reform Act, will mean all letting agents in England must belong to a government-approved property redress scheme.
The partnership means that all UKALA members will automatically comply with the forthcoming legislative requirements well in advance of its implementation.
The partnership is announced as new UKALA research reveals that the majority of tenants say letting agents are upfront about the fees they need to pay to secure their tenancy.
Letting agent fees is a topic that has come under close scrutiny in the past, but UKALA's latest research findings show that four out of five (81%) tenants say their letting agent explained what fees they would be required to pay at the beginning of the tenancy, either comprehensively (50%), or in part (31%).
However, one in 10 tenants (10%) say their agent did not explain what fees they'd be required to pay from the outset and a further 9% couldn't recall what information they received in relation to tenancy charges.
Richard Price, UKALA executive director, said: Our research findings suggest the majority of agents are upfront with their tenants about the fees they charge at the outset of the tenancy. However, we recognise that there are many other causes for disputes between agents and their clients, and that more can be done to strengthen redress in the private rented sector when issues occur.
At UKALA we lead the way and we want to reassure our members - and all letting agents in England - that complying with the forthcoming changes will be as simple as possible and that we're on hand to support them.
Importantly, our partnership with Ombudsman Services means that UKALA members need not worry and will automatically comply with the new provisions when implemented in England later this year subject to Ombudsman Services obtaining approval from DCLG.
Lewis Shand Smith, chief ombudsman, says: We are delighted that UKALA has recognised the value and quality of our model of independent redress and are proud to be providing the dispute resolution service for them.
This is good news for both landlords and tenants in the private rented sector who can be confident that we will help if there is a problem that their letting or managing agent cannot resolve. Our service is free for the complainant and easy to use.
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