Propertymark pushes for letting agents’ inclusion in Good Landlord Charter

An industry body wants letting agents to be included in Andy Burnham’s Good Landlord Charter.

The charter aims to “empower renters” and drive up standards in the private and social rented sectors.

Propertymark argues that the charter should include a clearer role for property agents and allow agents to be members of the charter.

According to the Greater Manchester Combined Authority, more than 40% of tenants use a letting agent.

Missed opportunity to engage with letting agents

Tim Thomas, policy and campaigns officer at Propertymark, said: “The Good Landlords Charter, in its proposed form, will be a missed opportunity to engage with letting agents.

“It is important to all involved that they demonstrate good practice, but so far, the Good Landlords Charter for the Greater Manchester area only includes private and social landlords.

“It is disappointing that there is no current provision for agents to engage with this process. Propertymark will continue to promote the Good Landlords Charter but remain keen for agents to play a much great role within the process.”

Give letting agents a bigger role

The industry body argues that letting agents are more likely than individual landlords to show they have the right accreditation and training.

Propertymark points out that letting agents must join a government-approved redress scheme and have Client Money Protection, which individual landlords don’t need to do. They believe adding these requirements to the charter would boost consumer protection.

Propertymark has also urged West Yorkshire Mayor Tracy Brabin and Liverpool City Region Mayor Steve Rotheram to consider giving letting agents a bigger role if they decide to create similar charters, as they both proposed in their election manifestos.