The agents’ trade body Propertuymark has given its backing to the latest government suggestion that some form of mandatory qualifications could be introduced for the industry.
In a new consultation on leasehold reforms, the government makes reference to the 2019 Regulation of Property Agents working party recommendations on qualifications. The government is proposing mandatory qualifications for managing agents to ensure they have the knowledge and skills required to provide a good service for leaseholders.
Propertymark wants this to go further, however, and its head of policy and campaigns – Timothy Douglas – says: “We continue to engage constructively with the UK Government on measures to introduce mandatory qualifications for Managing Agents. Professional bodies, continued professional development, and a code of practice must be utilised as part of the plans.
“We must also ensure that any proposals involve mandatory qualification requirements for sales and letting agents, to drive up standards and protect consumers when buying, selling and renting homes regardless of tenure, whilst also forming an integrated blueprint for regulatory reform across the property sector.”
Meanwhile RICS chief executive Justin Young adds: “The announcement is an important step forward in raising standards and improving transparency in the leasehold sector. Accountability and professionalism in property management is essential to give leaseholders confidence. Mandatory qualifications for managing agents will help to achieve this.
“We fully support the government’s ambition to deliver meaningful, proportionate reform that has lasting benefit for consumers … Qualifications alone, however, are only part of the solution. RICS looks forward to working with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to achieve their vision, drawing on our deep regulatory experience and existing infrastructure.”
Aside from the mandatory qualifications for managing agents, the government consultation says the proposals from the MHCLG will give leaseholders stronger rights, powers and protections to better challenge service charges.
Leaseholders will receive standardised service charge documentation, which will spell out clear and detailed information about how their service charges are calculated and spent. The government claims the measures will give some five million leaseholders in England and Wales greater transparency to hold freeholders to account and more easily challenge costs.
Housing and planning minister Matthew Pennycook says: “The cost of living remains a pressing concern for leaseholders and many are struggling financially as a result of high and rising service charges, and other opaque and excessive leasehold costs.
“This bold package of reforms will arm leaseholders with greater rights and protections and empower them to challenge poor practice and unreasonable charges and fees – driving up leaseholder living standards as we work to bring the feudal leasehold system to an end as part of our Plan for Change.”
