ARLA calls for government control

Residential landlords and consumers in the UK have been urged by one industry body to only use lettings agents that belong to a professional body.

The Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) has said that until there is a government-backed scheme controlling the sector, this remains the safest way for them to receive the best advice.

It follows the release of The Property Ombudsman's (TPO) latest annual report, which revealed an increase in the number of consumer complaints.

ARLA said that the rise was "commensurate to the increase in lettings activity" and provides yet more evidence that government control is required.

Ian Potter, the organisation's operations manager, said: "Consumer protection is of paramount of importance to the Private Rented Sector (PRS).

"For too long, the reputation of an entire industry has been affected by the bad practice of a few letting agents and we therefore give strong backing to the TPO."

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