Agents’ body calling for stronger regulation
Inconsistent and limited accountability is leaving landlords and tenants vulnerable to rogue letting agents, according to a leading industry body.
The Lettings Industry Council (TLIC) has warned of a ‘regulatory gap’ and is now calling for better and more effective regulation of the UK lettings market to ensure consumers are protected.
In a new report the council – which is made up of lettings experts, PRS service providers and larger and smaller agents – is calling for the introduction of a new framework which would:
- Guarantee every lettings practitioner is ‘competent, accountable, and works to clear standards’.
- Offer effective consumer protection through a public register and enforceable rules around conduct.
- Boost efficiency across the lettings market by enabling fair competition based on quality.
- Raise public confidence in the lettings market through increased consistency in the application of standards.
- Foster greater career development processes for practitioners.
The call comes as new data shows 65% of agents hold no property qualification, with 82% of property professionals surveyed believing regulation would improve professionalism in the lettings market.
More landlords relying on agents
The NRLA assumed operational responsibility for TLIC in May 2026, with our own research showing landlords and tenants are increasingly reliant on letting agents following the introduction of the first phase of the Renters’ Rights Act, with agent use at a two year high.
In light of this, we are calling on the Government to push forward with proposals for minimum education and training standards for agency staff.
To date, ministers have only committed to consulting on such a move next year.
Change needed
For its part TLIC is now calling on the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government to:
- Re-establish a dedicated Working Group.
- Conduct an impact assessment of the proposed changes to professionalise the market.
- Commit to introducing primary legislation as a matter of urgency.
- Consult with key professional bodies to ensure the professionalisation process is credible.
- Foster cross-party support for the measures proposed in this report.
Lord Richard Best, Chair, Regulation of Property Agents Working Group has welcomed the report, and backed the calls.
He said: “It is great to see the whole of the lettings industry getting behind the case for regulation, qualifications and professionalism for the sector.
“The recommendations of the Regulation of Property Agents Working Group have been largely adopted by the industry, and the new report addresses some of the questions left unanswered in the original report.
“This will be of immense help to government as it takes forward the much-needed regulatory agenda.
“I thank and congratulate the expert contributors whose work marks real progress in achieving the outcomes the sector desires and deserves."
Public confidence critical
Theresa Wallace, Co-Chair of The Lettings Industry Council (TLIC), said public confidence in agents is critical.
She said: “At a time when the lettings market continues to be affected by the consequences of the Renters’ Rights Act, the need for greater professionalisation is more important than ever.
“It is critical that the public has the utmost confidence in the integrity of the market, and we feel these recommendations can act as the basis of a more effective system of regulation moving forward.
“We believe this report acts as a valuable conversation starter on what should be done to ensure the lettings market upholds the highest possible standards."
