Legal News
Islington Council crackdown on letting agencies which flout the law (4 May 2016)
Date: 04/05/2016
Islington Council’s Trading Standards team is checking that letting agencies inthe borough meet legal requirements – and has warned that agencies which breach the Consumer Rights Act 2015 may face fines.
Under the Act, letting agencies must be a member of a redress scheme, so tenants can turn to an independent body if there is a dispute.
Agencies must also clearly display any fees they charge to landlords and tenants – and explain what the fees cover.
Trading Standards officers will be writing to local lettings agents in Islington, advising them of the legal requirements concerning the display of fees and related requirements – and warning that compliance checks will follow.
Director of public protection at Islington Council, Jan Hart, said:
“More and more people in Islington are renting privately – and we want to make sure they are treated fairly and have good homes to live in.
“We urge all Islington letting agencies to ensure that they are fully aware of their legal responsibilities – in particular, in relation to the publication and description of fees and related matters and that they implement these requirements, or face the risk of being fined.”
Duncan Lewis Housing Solicitors
Duncan Lewis housing solicitors can advise landlords and rental tenants on a wide range of housing matters, including tenancy agreements, landlord and tenant disputes, disrepair of rented property and unlawful eviction.
There are Duncan Lewis offices nationwide – and Duncan Lewis can also advise on local authority housing, council’s obligation to re-house and housing benefit.
For expert legal advice on housing law, call Duncan Lewis housing solicitors on 0333 772 0409.