A letting agency in Lincoln believes bad regulation has allowed the lettings sector to become a “Wild West” of the industry.
Jill Elkington of HE Lettings agreed with Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) latest consumer survey, which details how rogue agents are cashing in on the rental boom.
It is believed these agents get away with bad trading due to consumers’ low expectations and a total lack of effective regulation, putting them at risk.
According to the survey, one out of five renters though agents had to abide to a code of practice, which shows a lack of information easily accessible to the public. Two thirds also did not receive an inventory when they moved into the property.
However 87% of renters also believe agents should have a compulsory regulation scheme, despite 92% of tenants being satisfied with their letting agency.
Mr Elkington said: “Unfortunately it is currently possible for anyone to set up a lettings agency without appropriate qualifications, knowledge or understanding of the rental process.
“It is not compulsory for agents to conform to any code of conduct, provide safeguards or register with a government-approved redress system.
“Recently a Lincoln agent didn’t pick up the phone or answer emails for several days. I received calls from a concerned client of the company asking for guidance.
“We are also seeing more agents charging hidden fees, although locally, there is a little more transparency. However, as agents realise what other parts of the country are charging, hidden fees do seem to be on the rise.”
The problem will be discussed in Lincoln by Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) Lincolnshire and South Yorkshire at a regional meeting in the Bentley Hotel next month.
Mr Elkington added: “This lack of awareness from tenants on what they should expect from their agent is compounded by a lack of effective regulation which can lead to potential consumer detriment, with renters sometimes being charged extortionate fees or given unfair terms.
“Choosing the wrong agent can result in tenants encountering all sorts of problems such as lost deposits, broken agreements and excessive charges.
“What we would like to see is the government taking direct action on this and introducing a single regulatory and redress system for both sales and lettings agents to make sure they are fully accountable.
“Until this happens, we recommend that tenants use a lettings agent that is a member of a professional organisation, such as RICS and ARLA.”
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We are appealing for witnesses and dashcam footage after a collision caused serious injuries to a 23-year-old man.
Just before 3.30pm yesterday (2 July), we received reports of a collision on Barholm Road in Tallington. It involved a grey BMW 335D estate, a blue BMW 116D and an orange KTM motorcycle.
The motorcycle rider, a 23-year-old man, sustained serious injuries during the collision and was taken to hospital.
If you witnessed the incident and are yet to get in touch with us, please do so. If you have any other information or dashcam footage available that may have captured the road along the A1175 at the time of the collision, get in touch.
By calling 101 quoting incident 282 of 2 July.
By emailing [email protected] quoting incident 282 of 2 July in the subject line.
If you wish to remain anonymous, you can report via the independent charity CrimeStoppers on 0800 555 111 or online.
The 2022 Destination Lincolnshire Tourism Excellence Awards are open for applications, and Destination Lincolnshire giving you the rare chance to co-create your application with Nell Barrington, a tourism awards veteran, who has helped hundreds of businesses write winning applications over the last 15 years – including national VisitEngland winners.
The Tourism Awards Masterclass is taking place on Tuesday 12 July at 11am for one-hour online. Laura Freer, Head of Marketing at Destination Lincolnshire said: “This is a golden opportunity, after years of hard work and heartache, to get your business and team recognised and rewarded.
“A well written application is key to achieving a coveted place on this year’s shortlist, and I’d encourage all tourism and visitor economy businesses who are thinking of entering – whether they are seasoned at writing award applications or not – to join us for this exclusive masterclass.
“Nell Barrington has worked with us and VisitEngland on the founding application processes of these awards, and she is perfectly placed to assist in co-creating applications that you can be proud of. This is a great opportunity for business development too – whether you are shortlisted for an award or not – discovering how to effectively apply for awards and talk up your business adds another string to your bow.
“Booking is essential and places are limited to just 35 – so be quick! This year we’ve made our masterclass available to partners and also to those who we are yet to work with for free. Call it an added bonus, after two years away from the awards circuit.
The awards masterclass is focussed on the application process, and it will spell out what the judges are looking for. You’ll learn how to make your application stand out from the local competition, helping your chances of going through to the national VisitEngland Awards in 2023.”
There are fifteen categories open for nominations from visitors attraction, accommodation providers, hospitality businesses and many more.
The deadline for nominations is July 29, with online judging starting on July 30 and mystery shopping from August 13. Finalists will be announced on Monday, August 15.
The awards ceremony will be held at the Engine Shed on October 21, and will be hosted by Lincs FM presenter, John Marshall.
The event is organised by Stonebow Media, publishers of The Lincolnite, to celebrate the best businesses in Greater Lincolnshire, alongside headline sponsors Lincoln College and Destination Lincolnshire.
We would also like to thank our other sponsors Visit Lincolnshire, Heart of Lincs, Duncan and Toplis and LNER, insight6 and EV Camel.