REsidEnTiallettings
Regulation of agents –
is NALS leading the way?
The National Approved Letting Scheme says it is shaping up
to be the Government choice for independent agent regulation
fter the success of the first Over the past ten years, NALS has
A
National Approved Letting highlighted the need for tighter regulation
Scheme (NALS) Licensing and accountability among lettings and
Consultative Forum, a management agents, remaining committed
second event, held on to promoting accreditation.
9th June, was another
opportunity for delegates from across the EPC hElPing EnERgY AWAREnESS
sector to review the future of private New research conducted by the Energy
rentals, licensing and regulation. Efficiency Partnership for Homes (EEPH),
The first forum, held back in March, shows Energy Performance Certificates
proved to be a decisive move in (EPC) have become a vital part of the
determining wider industry attitudes.
However, representatives at the second The Consultative
decision making process for landlords and
tenants alike. With 32 per cent of tenants
forum (chaired once again by Lord Richard
Best) had a significant development as a Forums are part
who moved after October 2008, claiming
they used one when selecting a new
point of reference: the Communities and
Local Government (CLG) Department’s of an ongoing
property to rent. Fifty-eight per cent of
landlords confirmed they are concerned
official response to the Rugg Report –
issued on 13th May. programme to
about the energy efficiency of their rental
properties, and 22 per cent claimed to be
With Government recommendations
in mind, including the need for the raise standards in
very concerned. Over half of all landlords
are planning to make improvements based
independent regulation of lettings and
management agents, delegates were able to the private sector.’
on their EPC.
Looking ahead to future purchases, 44
continue assessment of policy areas and per cent of landlords stated that they would
establish their overall relevance to NALS CARolinE PiCkERing now consider energy efficiency before
proposals. The advice offered by these key buying a property, further indicating that
industry influencers proved to be of energy performance has become a major
enormous benefit, enabling NALS to influencer for both tenants and landlords.
further define its licensing framework. last year’s NALS Industry Forum for final EEPH Partnership Director, Mark Brown
Caroline Pickering, NALS Independent comment. Once all areas have been explains, “If we look back to last years’
Chair, explained more about the forums’ addressed, NALS will formally present survey of tenants we saw energy efficiency
importance. “The Consultative Forums are policy recommendations to Cabinet beginning to register as a key consideration,
part of an ongoing programme to raise representatives. and as our most recent report shows this
standards in the private rented sector, “As a Government-backed initiative, trend looks set to continue.”
which began last year with our Industry NALS is the clear choice to carry out NALS is represented on the EEPH
Forums,” she asserts. “Following the CLG independent agent regulation,” explains Private Rented Sector Group, Caroline
response and more recent announcements Caroline Pickering. “We’re confident that Pickering said, “We endeavour to support
made in the Government’s Regulatory we can provide what’s really needed. Our and advise on optimising energy efficiency
Impact Assessment on lettings, we are very overall aim is to introduce a simple, within private rentals,” she says. “We have
pleased that there are overwhelming inclusive, low-cost lettings scheme that produced a free leaflet, detailing simple
similarities with our own findings, which delivers a level of protection for consumers, and effective tips on how to reduce energy
we continue to refine in line with continued and is also achievable by all well-managed consumption including information on
recommendations.” agents. There can be no doubt that the logos to look out for on energy efficient
Moving forward, NALS’s aim is to hold mandatory regulation of lettings agents will appliances, and replacing boilers over
additional workshops on specific propel the sector forward in achieving best 15 years-old.”
framework items that were raised, such as practice, enhancing consumer protection
the Code of Practice, before material is and implementing increased provision and
Anything to add? Comment at:
re-circulated to those that participated in security for both tenants and landlords.”
www.propertydrum.com/articles/nalsjuly
56 JULY-AUGUST 2009 PROPERTYdrum
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