Currently there is an ever growing number of rental properties appearing on portals and websites with Price on Application terms are declared unlawful by the National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Team.

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The POA term is usually featured only on listings for expensive no doubt luxurious properties and more inclined towards a sale rather rented, however there are some agents, usually with properties to rent in ‘chic’ prime areas of London, who are listing POA rather than a defined rental price.

The NTSELAT has now entered the fray when stating that the use of Price On Application or POA in a listing on an agent website or property portal, is disingenuous as it hides/withholds a true asking price for potential customers.

The team has just issued a statement from the senior manager of the NTSELAT, James Munro, says: “A property’s price is information which the average consumer needs in order to make an informed transactional decision, such as to make enquiries about the property, conduct further research or arrange a viewing.

“I am pleased to be able to set out a clear position that the use of POA or Price On Application in property listings is unlawful. We have considered this issue carefully and I am grateful to colleagues, the CMA and legal experts for their input” explains James Munro, the senior manager of the NTSELAT.

He continues: “We hope this clarity will be helpful for property portals and agents as they prepare their listings going forward. This position will now form part of our general industry advice and guidance.”