Propertymark has stepped up its call for a dedicated Housing Tribunal to improve mediation and enhanced dispute resolution.

The trade body also advocates extending redress membership to landlords who self-manage property only, as an additional layer of protection for consumers.

Propertymark was one of 193 respondents to a government Call for Evidence on Dispute Resolution in England and Wales.

The agents’ group also says any appetite in the UK Government to consider making ‘alternative’ dispute resolution mandatory as part of a pre-action protocol has real potential for a positive culture shift in relationships between agents and landlords, and their tenants. 

But it would be vital to ensure all parties know what it is and it must be accessible.

Timothy Douglas, Head of Policy and Campaigns for Propertymark, says: “Existing dispute resolution processes can be patchy and ineffective, and do not provide a reliable route for the private rented sector.

“Propertymark member letting agents are well placed to help prevent disputes between landlords and tenants, but they need a system that is quicker and cheaper.

“This will incentivise more landlords to engage with these processes to avert the need for a case to go to court which may not always be appropriate, helping more tenants stay in their homes.” 

You can read Propertymark’s consultation response in full at www.propertymark.co.uk/resource/consultation-moj-call-for-evidence-dispute-resolution-in-england-and-wales.html