Complaints against letting agents are at an all time high, reports the Observer

Note - the Landlord Law Blog has now moved to www.landlordlawblog.co.uk.

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Letting agents are supposed to be the experts in lettings. Many are excellent. Unfortunately however, there are a lot of 'cowboys' about. The growing level of dissatisfaction with many agents is made very clear by an excellent article in the Cash section of the Observer today, which states that a number of surveys show increased levels of complaints from tenants regarding incompetent landlords and (in particular) letting agents.

The Property Ombudsman's figures show that in July there were a record 1446 complaints about private lettings, more than 110 per week, and since summer 2008 there has been 44% increase in complaints about lettings. Which, as many people fight shy of making official complaints about problems, indicates that the real level dissatisfaction is far higher. Particularly as, unfortunately, it is not compulsory for agents to belong to a scheme such as his, or indeed any scheme.

The CAB reports that 73% of tenants were unhappy with their letting agent. Top complaints with them are the time taken to carry out essential reports, and additional charges levied, e.g. for referencing and renewals. Shelter also report a big increase in complaints, particularly regarding the return of tenancy deposits.

Surely it is time for letting agents to be regulated? Or at the very least, be required to be a member of the Property Ombudsman scheme.