The Which? Investigation found that some lettings agents are using unfair practices that could breach consumer law, such as tenants being required to pay a deposit before being allowed to view a contract.
Tamara Sandoul, Housing Policy Manager at CIEH, said: “The poor practices of some letting agents are truly shocking. The sad truth is that these poor practices are actually widespread, with at least one quarter of agents not providing a contract when asked by tenants.
Letting agents hold the key to better housing conditions and management of the private rented sector, with landlords and tenants relying on them to do the right thing and act according to best practice and the law. CIEH wants to see much better regulation and qualification requirements for letting and managing agents to help to professionalise this sector.”
