Property Redress Scheme calls for an end to unfair agency fees
At Strawberry Star we are a firm believer that the home buying and moving process should be as stress-free as possible.
We consider it to be the duty of an agent to minimise the worries heightened by the move, and that it is their responsibility to be both transparent and approachable.
However, there are frequent reports that the UK consumer is largely underserved by both estate agents and letting agents. The level of poor service has been reflected in the news recently, with new guidance issued by the Property Redress Scheme (PRS) to try and tackle unreasonable letting agent fees in the UK.
The PRS is one of three consumer redress schemes authorised by government, with a focus on resolving complaints between members of the public and property agents and professionals.
Although tenant fees have been outlawed in Scotland since 1984, by law letting agents in England and Wales are allowed to charge prospective and existing tenants for their services and administration, in addition to any rent or deposits. However, a common grievance amongst consumers continues to revolve around the nature of these fees, with many believing they are unjust for the service they have received.
A January report by the PRS, which found excessive or unfair agency fees to be a recurring issue amongst UK house-hunters and landlords, was reinforced by additional findings from Citizens’ Advice that criticised agents for ‘inexplicable fees.’
In a bid to remedy this and improve transparency, the PRS has issued two guides, one for agents and their landlords and separate guidelines for agents and their tenants. Although the PRS does not have the standing to prohibit fees, new guidelines make it necessary for agents to provide evidence to support the fees that they charge. If the evidence is insufficient, a PRS Ombudsman can make the decision to award the consumer if the fees are deemed unfair.
This is welcome news for the industry and supports our entire rationale at Strawberry Star – to improve clarity and quality of service. Our responsibility to buyers, tenants, landlords and investors drives us to continue improving our service at Strawberry Star, which is why we are launching a brand new research report – Estate Agent Evaluations.
The first of our reports for 2015 will survey the UK’s consumers in order to gauge the nation’s top grievances when hunting for a home. The survey’s feedback so far has been astounding and we look forward to updating you on the key outcomes of the research.
Visit the Strawberry Star website to find out more about our offer: https://www.strawberrystar.com/
Or, to read more about the new PRS guidance, visit: http://bit.ly/1ExiMDT
© 2024 Strawberry Star. All Rights Reserved.
Terms & Conditions |
Privacy Policy |
Cookie Policy |
Anti Slavery Policy |
Anti Bribery Policy
Site by Tiramisu New Media Solutions
