The Government has announced plans to introduce independent regulation of property agents, including mandatory licensing and appropriate qualifications.

The announcement covers letting agents, estate agents and property managers, with the Government saying the proposals are intended to tackle poor practice and strengthen standards across the industry.

There’s still plenty of detail to be confirmed, and there’s no immediate change for landlords or agents. But we think the announcement raises an important question:

What should landlords actually expect from their agent?

For us, good property management has never been just about having the right qualification. It’s about the service behind it.

While we wait for more detail, we think this is a useful opportunity for landlords to look at the service they’re receiving now and ask themselves:

  • Do I have a clear point of contact?
  • Am I kept updated about my property?
  • Are inspections carried out regularly?
  • Is maintenance dealt with proactively?
  • Is my agent keeping on top of changing legislation?
  • Do I understand what I’m paying for?
  • If something goes wrong, do I know who is responsible for dealing with it?
  • Do I feel that my property is being treated as an investment, rather than simply another property on a database?

The Government has said it intends to bring forward legislation, but there is currently no implementation timetable.

The detail will become clearer over the coming months, and we’ll be keeping a close eye on what the changes could mean for landlords and agents in York and will keep you posted. 

At Littlefairs, we believe good property management should already meet a high standard.

We’re a small, independent, family-run property management company based in York. Our team know the properties and landlords we look after, with regular property visits, clear communication and hands on management.

We welcome the conversation around raising standards across the industry.

For landlords, perhaps the most useful question isn’t simply “Will my agent meet the new regulations?”

It’s “Am I getting the level of service I should expect from my property manager already?”

If you’re a landlord in York or the surrounding areas and would like to have a chat about your property, reach out to our wonderful team. 

📞 01904 393989
✉️ info@littlefairspropertycompany.co.uk