Trading Standards Advice for Letting Agents

Letting agents and property management businesses must comply with the following -

Redress Schemes

You must be a member of a government approved redress scheme. Failure to comply can result in a £5,000 penalty charge.

Deposits

When a deposit is payable by the tenant, the agent or landlord must make sure it is protected by a government backed tenancy deposit scheme.

Display of fees

You must be open and upfront by displaying, online and at your premises, certain information. This includes details of the fees they charge and which deposit and redress schemes you belong to. Failure to comply can result in a £5,000 penalty charge. You can find more information on Business Companion advice.

Energy Performance Certificates (EPCs)

You must make sure that any properties you are letting comply with the requirements in relation to EPCs. Failure to comply can result in a penalty charge of £200. GOV.UK energy performance certificates.

Unfair trading

When making descriptions and dealing with customers, you must make sure you do not mislead or partake in unfair trading practices.

Safety of goods

Any goods supplied in furnished properties, such as furniture or electrical appliances, must be safe. You can access product safety information at Companion advice.

For further information or to report concerns you have about a business, call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 08080 2230 1133.

Relay UK - if you cannot hear or speak on the phone, you can type what you want to say - 18001 then 808 223 1133.