§ Mrs. Bridget PrenticeTo ask the Secretary of State for the Environment (1) if he will commission research into the problems caused by the operation of private lettings agencies; [5876]
(2) what plans he has to set up a system whereby private lettings agencies are required to register with local authorities; [5874]
(3) what plans he has to introduce measures to regulate the operation of private lettings agencies. [5875]
§ Mr. ClappisonWe have no plans to regulate the operation of private letting agencies or to require them to register with local authorities. However, we are keen to encourage self-regulation. My right hon. Friend has now approved the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors' code of practice for management of residential property, to be published next March 1997. This is aimed primarily at agents who offer a full management service but also contains much that lettings-only agents can draw on.
Research for the Department in 1995 suggests that, where an agent was used, 88 per cent. of landlords expressed themselves to be very or fairly satisfied with the service provided. We have no plans to commission further research.