An inventory service wants its sector to be included in Labour’s plans to regulate the agency industry.

Since 2019 the Conservative government stated and re-stated its support for the recommendations of the Regulation of Property Agents working party, which set out a large number of proposals for mandatory qualifications, registration and enforcement of selling, lettings and buying agents.

However, the Tories did not make any progress implementing the proposals and now Labour housing minister Matthew Pennycook, during a question-and-answer session in the House of Commons, said: “The government is committed to ensuring that those living in the rented and leasehold sectors are protected from abuse and poor service at the hands of unscrupulous property agents. The government will set out its position on the regulation of letting, management and estate agents in due course.” 

Property Report Management Services is urging Pennycook to include inventories in the regulation along with other professional services. 

A spokesperson says: “There are currently no barriers for entry for inventory providers, leading to inconsistent service standards across the sector. As property agents face increasing regulation, it’s crucial that their supporting service providers are held to equally rigorous standards.”

The provider says this means mandatory qualifications and training for inventory professionals, reform and regulation of accreditation systems, and enhanced quality control measures.