Agents will have to register under new proposals.

Views are being sought across Scotland on proposals to implement a new code of practice for letting agents and local constituency MSP John Swinney wants Perthshire North residents to feed into this process.

A consultation began this week to gather opinions on the Letting Agents Code of Practice, and the requirement for letting agents to undergo training before they can be added to a register. Following the closing date, all responses will be analysed to help determine the training requirements and finalise the code of practice.

John Swinney MSP said:

“The Scottish Government wants to see a private rented sector that provides good quality homes and high management standard which inspires consumer confidence and encourages growth.

“Letting agents are vital to helping achieve this vision, and this new framework, including the code of practice, will support the industry to improve standards and provide a good service to both landlords and tenants.

“Here in Perthshire North, which includes Perth City centre, we have a significant Lettings market and I wish to see even more growth in this area with the very best industry standards being delivered.”

The Housing (Scotland) Act 2014 introduces a framework for the regulation of letting agents in Scotland. 

This includes: 

A mandatory register for letting agents with an associated ‘fit and proper’ person test; 

A training requirement that must be met before an applicant can be admitted to the register;

A statutory code of practice all letting agents must follow

A way for tenants and landlords to resolve complaints against letting agents for breaches of this Code through a new specialist First-tier Tribunal; and powers for Scottish Ministers to obtain information and of inspection to monitor compliance and enforce regulatory requirements.

The statutory Letting Agents Code of Practice will be fundamental to the effectiveness of the new regulatory framework.

Notes to Editors

The consultation invites written responses by November 15 2015. The consultation can be accessed athttp://www.gov.scot/consultations/current