29 May, 2008

Following The Select Committee Report on The Supply of Rented Housing announced last week, Caroline Pickering, Chair of The National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS) has welcomed the findings and recommendations for the call for regulation of letting agents through best practice accreditation with increased Local Authority involvement in ensuring that for the consumer the rental experience is enhanced.

Pickering explained: “The NALS accreditation scheme is recognised and supported  by the Government and backed by key organisations within the private rented sector, and provides - what we believe to be – the answer to the challenge of ensuring that clearly defined management standards are provided to landlords and tenants by lettings and management agents.   NALS already works with Local Authorities which have established local Landlord Accreditation Schemes and it makes perfect sense that NALS accreditation for agents should be linked with those schemes.”

“We strongly believe local engagement is the most effective way of tackling rental problems.  By encouraging streamlined working partnerships between Local Authorities, landlords and agents we can improve and maintain the property management standards of those in rented accommodation with the minimum of bureaucracy being introduced.”

“It is vitally important to us that the consumer is protected - whether letting or renting - and as The Select Committee has suggested we believe the key to this is self-regulating the industry.  As of January 2008, consumers using NALS agents have benefited from a partnership between the OEA (Ombudsman for Estate Agents) and NALS allowing them easier access to independent redress to settle disputes and seek early resolution to issues,” concluded Pickering.