ONE of the area’s leading lettings agents has supported MPs concern at the lack of regulation for the lettings market.

More than 60 MPs have now signed an Early Day Motion (EDM) which highlights their concern at the Government’s decision to abandon the plans for a national register for landlords and further regulation of the private rented sector (PRS).

The EDM outlines the role that the PRS plays in supporting the UK housing market but that rogue landlords and lettings agents pose a threat to consumers. The Property Ombudsman has already noted that the number of complaints against such landlords and lettings agents has risen. By signing the EDM, the MPs support a call to create a national register of landlords and further regulation of landlords and letting agents.

David Boyden Managing Partner of Boydens, the longest established lettings agent in north Essex and active member of ARLA (the Association of Residential Letting Agents), said: “ARLA has long campaigned for the introduction of compulsory regulation of lettings agents, along the same lines as its own member-led licensing scheme launched last year.

“Currently, any person or organisation can become a letting agent. The Housing Minister, Grant Shapps, has pledged to work with ARLA to develop an industry-led solution to remove unprofessional letting agents from the market.  I also welcome the Government’s support for ARLA’s licensing scheme. “I greatly appreciate the support MPs have offered with this EDM.  Until the current status quo is changed via national regulation, unprofessional, unqualified and unethical operators will continue to prey at the expense of the general public.” 

Boydens, which has six offices in Colchester, Frinton, Braintree, Kelvedon, Ipswich and Sudbury, was one of the first local lettings agents to acquire the ARLA license. The company also provides a full residential sales service.