Complaints about letting agents increase

News Category: Management

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The number of complaints made against letting agents increased by 45 per cent during 2009, according to research by the Property Ombudsman.

Almost half of Christopher Hamer's workload last year was resolving disputes involving rented accommodation, compared with 28 per cent in 2008.

Last year, he reported that about four calls an hour were being made from people seeking advice about a letting agent.

Speaking after his latest findings, Mr Hamer urged letting agents to "up their game", adding that he expects the trend of increasing complaints to continue in 2010.

The Ombudsman, who can recommend letting agents pay compensation of up to £25,000 if they are found to be in the wrong, has called for whichever party wins the upcoming general election to introduce regulation to protect tenants.

He advised potential tenants and landlords to "use an agent who is a member of a recognised trade association or any agent who is a member of the Property Ombudsman scheme".

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