Two-thirds (65%) of letting agents have no formal property-related qualification, according to a new survey, as industry leaders renew calls for more effective regulation of the UK lettings market.

The Lettings Industry Council’s (TLIC) survey of 616 property professionals found that 62% had more than 15 years’ industry experience, and 70% supported mandatory qualifications and registration.

It wants the government to revive the long-running Regulation of Property Agents (ROPA) agenda and introduce mandatory qualifications, firm licensing, CPD and a statutory code of practice.

TLIC suggests that agents should have to obtain qualifications, with Level 3 proposed for those managing/supervising day-to-day agency work. Firms would need a licence to operate, while a statutory Professional Standards Board would oversee a code of practice with licences suspended or revoked for non-compliance.

Frustration

Its new report explains that agents report frustration at competing with unqualified operators and a lack of effective enforcement, while consumers rarely ask about credentials, suggesting they assume agents are already regulated

It says the government has already committed to a programme of home-buying and selling reform, including a Code of Practice setting minimum standards for property agents and consultation from 2027 on estate-agent qualifications. TLIC wants ministers to go further and introduce mandatory qualifications with a firm timetable, and proposes transitional arrangements and recognition of prior learning for experienced practitioners.

Dedicated

It has called on the Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government to re-establish a dedicated working group and commit to introducing primary legislation as a matter of urgency.

Theresa Wallace, TLIC co-chair, says it’s critical that the public has confidence in the integrity of the market. “We feel these recommendations can act as the basis of a more effective system of regulation moving forward,” she explains.

“We believe this report acts as a valuable conversation starter on what should be done to ensure the lettings market upholds the highest possible standards.”

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