UKALA Welcomes Commitment to Transparency
UKALA WELCOMES COMMITMENT TO TRANSPARENCY
UKALA has welcomed an announcement by the Department for Communities and Local Government pledging to increase transparency in the private-rented sector without strangling the sector with unnecessary rules and red tape.
The package of measures will include a tenant charter, which will help promote greater understanding and clarity concerning the rights and responsibilities of those living and working in the private-rented sector.
UKALA WELCOMES COMMITMENT TO TRANSPARENCY
UKALA has welcomed an announcement by the Department for Communities and Local Government pledging to increase transparency in the private-rented sector without strangling the sector with unnecessary rules and red tape.
The package of measures will include a tenant charter, which will help promote greater understanding and clarity concerning the rights and responsibilities of those living and working in the private-rented sector.
It is expected that the charter will work with existing plans that require agents to provide independent redress and encourage greater clarity concerning letting fees.
Commenting on the Secretary of State’s announcement, UKALA Executive Caroline Kenny said:
“The Government’s pledge to increase transparency and confidence in the private-rented sector without introducing unnecessary regulation will be music to the ears of UKALA’s members who voluntary commit to standards of customer service.
“UKALA insists that all of its agents adhere to a strict code of conduct and provide financial protection in the form of client money protection ensuring that landlords and tenants can be confident in their ability and credibility.
“Responsible letting agents are tired of competing with unscrupulous businesses, blind to their professional responsibilities. We sincerely hope that the package announced today will encourage better standards across the board and highlight to consumers the danger of using an agent who does not offer the protection and reassurance of belonging to a reputable trade association.”
ENDS
For further information, please contact:
Sam Haidar
Senior Press Officer, UKALA
0207 840 8925
press@ukala.org.uk
NOTES TO EDITORS:
About UKALA:
The UK Association of Letting Agents (UKALA) is a trade association representing businesses which facilitate the rental of private residential property in England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland. All revenues generated are used by the association to support and benefit its members.
UKALA exists to support letting agents who are committed to improving conditions in the private rented sector. UKALA membership requires all applicants to be vetted against UKALA safeguards, and only if the following four requirements are met can lettings agencies become members and be covered by UKALA’s CMP insurance.
- Written confirmation from their bank that they have a clearly segregated client money account.
- Written confirmation from their accountant(s) that their business finances are in order.
- Proof of a minimum level of Professional Indemnity Insurance, to be confirmed by Hamilton Fraser Insurance (HFIS) at the time of application.
- Provide proof of membership of either the Ombudsmen Services or The Property Ombudsman (TPO) as part of independent redress.
Once accepted agent members are required to abide by the UKALA Scheme Rules and Code of Practice; to ensure the highest standards of professionalism and an assurance of quality in residential lettings for both landlords and tenants.
UKALA is dedicated to continuously improving conditions in the private rented sector, by ensuring that landlords and tenants are treated fairly and that best practice is understood and adhered to in residential lettings. www.ukala.org.uk