Agents and councillors in voluntary deal over To Let boards

Four letting agencies and a number of local councillors in York appear to have reached a voluntary agreement to reduce the number of To Let boards in the city. 

According to a report in the York Press the four agencies - Adam Bennett, IG Properties, Access Properties York and Sinclair Properties - have all reduced or ceased using the boards at student properties in recent years, and have now agreed not to use boards outside the student properties they manage.

The report suggests that three local councillors - David Levene, Hilary Shepherd and Neil Barnes - claim that the deal may mean a complete end to their use by the four companies.

“We’ve been told many times over the years that these signs have a big impact on how neighbourhoods look, and there are concerns that they can advertise when student properties are empty. In reality, the vast majority of students find their accommodation online” says Levene. 

“We’re now calling on all letting agencies in York to do the same, and I’m looking forward to discussing this with them” he continues.

The agreement states that:

“In order to improve the street scene of our wonderful city ... those signing up to this agreement do so in order to lead by example in the hope that others will follow.

“We therefore encourage all letting agents and landlords to sign up to this voluntary agreement for the benefit of our city and its residents.”