ARLA and RLA want meeting over agent fees in Wales
ARLA Propertymark and the Residential Landlords Association have both written to the Welsh Government asking for a meeting to discuss the possible ban on letting agents’ fees levied for tenants.
This issue was raised again this month by Assembly Members-the term for Welsh Government MP’s. Welsh Communities Secretary, Carl Sargeant, noted: ‘I’m very concerned that fees charged by letting agents are placing a disproportionate burden on tenants. I hope to be able to announce shortly how we as a Government propose to respond.’[1]
Concerns
In their letter, ARLA Propertymark and the RLA highlighted the significant number of common concerns from both letting agents and landlords. Most notably, peers are worried that service provided will be hit should money be removed from the sector.
This includes new legislation introduced by the Welsh Government that means that landlords and letting agents managing property in the country must be registered with Rent Smart Wales.
Under this scheme, should an agent fail to comply with their licensing agreements, they could put themselves at risk of fines. Without a licence, they would be unable to continue operating as a letting agent in the country.
ARLA and RLA want meeting over agent fees in Wales
In a statement, ARLA Propertymark said that it will continue to work with the sector to make sure politicians listen and understand the industry and subsequently follow evidence.
‘We hope that Mr Sargeant will engage with us to understand fully the importance of any future decision around banning fees and the effect this would have on letting agents, landlords and tenants in Wales,’ ARLA said in its statement. [1]
[1] https://www.lettingagenttoday.co.uk/breaking-news/2017/3/arla-and-landlord-body-pushes-for-meeting-over-agents-fees-ban