The Government's compulsory redress scheme for lettings agents [in England] that was announced earlier this year, has now been given the start date of October 1st.

It is estimated that already two thirds of agents have joined, however the remainder of the sector must sign up to one of the three designated schemes by this date, or face fines of up to £5,000.

The Government is implementing the scheme as part of their plans to tidy up the process of disputes between letting agents, tenants and landlords. They are hoping that by the introduction of an impartial third party service then its aims should be achieved.

So far the scheme has received Industry support by the fact that a majority of letting agents have already signed up.

Local Councils are charged with making sure that all letting agents under their jurisdiction must abide by the law or they will implement fines. 

The three existing  schemes are the Ombudsman Services Property, Property Redress Scheme and The Property Ombudsman. PIMS recommend the The Property Ombudsman click here to visit their site
 
The three Services employ staff who are properly versed in all the nuances of property law and understand how to deal with all letting and property management agents, and that “membership requirements should not unfairly restrict access to the scheme - for example, a compulsory requirement to sign up or comply with a code of practice.”
 
The redress schemes must follow correct procedure and are free to complainants and easily understood. They must also provide full details of every complaint in their annual reports.