Letting agents' code of practice goes out to views

A proposed new code of practice for letting agents is the subject of a Scottish Government consultation launched today.

The code is part of the framework for regulating letting agents in Scotland, introduced by the Housing (Scotland) Act 2014, along with a mandatory register for letting agents with an associated "fit and proper" person test, and training requirements that must be met before an applicant can be admitted to the register.

It covers all aspects of securing and managing tenancies, including letting agreements, deposits, fees, rent collection, repairs and maintenance, and communication and resolving complaints.

The consultation also covers the scope of the training requirements as a condition of registration.

Housing Minister Margaret Burgess said:

“The Scottish Government wants to see a private rented sector that provides good quality homes and high management standards, inspires consumer confidence and encourages growth.

“Letting agents are vital to helping achieve this vision, and this new framework, including the code of practice, will support the industry to improve standards, provide a good service to both landlords and tenants, and empower customers.”

Click here to view the consultation. Written responses are invited by 15 November 2015.