25/04/2008

Don't cut corners, ARLA warns landlords

With demand for housing in the private rented sector likely to soar because of the credit crunch, the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) is warning agents and landlords not to take advantage by cutting corners.

ARLA points out that both the law and best practice have come a long way since the early 90s, when the last housing crisis produced soaring rental demand, cowboy agents and rogue landlords. Nowadays, as well as the duty of care that landlords and letting agents owe to tenants, compliance with new legislation and operating to a code of best practice is seen by most to be in the interests of everyone.

However, ARLA Head of Operations, Ian Potter, said, "We are still worried that some landlords may try to cut corners and not comply with legislation covering safety and the protection of tenancy deposits. We are also worried that there could be an upsurge in lettings agencies opening for business, without being members of the professional bodies.”

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