A recent report from Citizens Advice has highlighted significant concerns regarding the quality of service provided by letting agents to private renters. The charity warns that many tenants are experiencing poor treatment and calls for stronger regulation and enforcement to protect renters’ rights and safety.

Widespread Issues with Letting Agents

Citizens Advice reveals that nearly half (48%) of renters who have dealt with a letting agent in the past three years encountered behaviour that broke established rules. This troubling statistic underscores ongoing problems within the private rental sector, where tenants often face challenges in securing timely repairs and fair treatment.

Particularly alarming is the handling of emergency repairs. Among renters requiring urgent attention for issues such as gas leaks or unsafe wiring, more than two-thirds (68%) reported waiting over 24 hours for their letting agent to respond. Additionally, over a quarter (27%) incurred extra costs or higher bills due to delays, while 29% saw emergency or urgent repairs left completely unresolved.

Calls for Improved Regulation and Enforcement

Citizens Advice is urging the government to take decisive action to clamp down on letting agents who fail to meet their obligations. The charity stresses that without tougher regulation and stronger enforcement of existing rules, the progress made by the Renters’ Rights Act risks being undermined.

Tom MacInnes, director of policy at Citizens Advice, emphasised the urgency of the situation: “Private renters are forking out more than ever to put a roof over their heads, and in return they get a rock-bottom service from letting agents.” He added, “Nobody should be left to live in dangerous conditions for days, have to fight for money they’re owed or be charged illegal fees. But our advisers are helping tenants with these kinds of problems regularly.”

MacInnes also highlighted the importance of the Renters’ Rights Act, describing it as “a huge moment for private tenants” and a reform that Citizens Advice has long campaigned for. However, he warned that the legislation’s full potential will only be realised if letting agents are held accountable through better regulation and enforcement.

What this means for landlords

While the report focuses on the experiences of tenants, landlords should take note of the implications. Ensuring compliance with regulations and maintaining good communication with letting agents can help prevent disputes and protect the reputation of landlords within the sector. The call for tougher enforcement may also lead to increased scrutiny of landlords’ management practices, making it essential to work with reputable agents who prioritise tenant welfare and legal compliance.

Proactively addressing repair issues and avoiding illegal fees will not only benefit tenants but also reduce the risk of penalties and improve overall landlord-tenant relationships. As the government considers further regulatory measures, landlords who demonstrate responsible management will be better positioned to adapt to any changes.

Source: Based on reporting from Property118

TLA Training Academy

The Landlord Association has launched its new Training Academy for UK landlords, providing structured guidance, compliance education, and practical knowledge to support landlords at every stage. Members can now complete the programme and become TLA Certified Landlords at no additional cost as part of their membership.

Landlords can explore the Academy here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/tla-academy/

Those looking to join and access the full training and certification can register here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/landlord-association-membership-uk/

TLA update

The Landlord Association is currently onboarding new service providers into its Trusted Partner Hub, a new initiative designed to support landlords, tenants, letting agents, and property managers with vetted, high-quality services. As one of the fastest growing landlord associations in the UK, TLA offers partners direct access to an engaged and active member base at the point of need. Service providers across legal, maintenance, insurance, finance, mortgages, tenant screening, and property services can register their interest here: https://landlordassociation.org.uk/become-a-tla-service-partner/