Private Rented Housing: Tribunals

(asked on 19th November 2021) - View Source

Question to the Department for Levelling Up, Housing & Communities:

To ask the Secretary of State for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities,, what procedure is available for investigating conduct of court appointed managing agents.


Answered by
Eddie Hughes Portrait
Eddie Hughes
This question was answered on 29th November 2021

The Government is committed to making sure that those living in the leasehold sector are protected from abuse and poor service. This commitment includes raising professionalism and standards amongst managing agents, protecting consumers while defending the reputation of good agents from the actions of rogue operatives. Property agents can play an important role in the management and upkeep of buildings and protect the value of people’s homes. Many take a professional approach, but others do not. We therefore welcome the ongoing work being undertaken by the industry itself to raise professionalism and standards across the sector.

Section 24 of the Landlord and Tenant Act 1987 gives the First-tier Tribunal the power to appoint a manager to take over the landlord’s right to manage the building under specific circumstances. As part of the process leaseholders are expected to nominate a suggested manager (which may include a managing agent), and the First-tier Tribunal will seek assurances that the nominated person is capable of performing the role before issuing an Order.

Following appointment, leaseholders can access the Government-recognised redress scheme that the agent is obliged by law to belong to for the resolution of any conduct or behavioural issues that may arise. Where the agent is a voluntary member of an established trade association, leaseholders may make a complaint to that association where appropriate. Any party may also apply to the First-tier Tribunal to have the Section 24 Order varied or discharged.

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