The Association of Residential Lettings Agents (ARLA) has called for the compulsory regulation of all privately-rented property.
ARLA say regulation will put an end to unprofessional practice and ensure tenants have their rights and money protected.
Ian Potter, managing director of ARLA, said: “Regulating the sector is a complete win win situation. Tenants will get better quality property and have their rights and money protected; the industry will be rid of unprofessional practice and enjoy a better reputation and the government will have a simpler system to oversee and ultimately fewer disputes to resolve.
“Failure to regulate will mean that rogue agents continue to blight the sector, damaging trust in the majority of responsible agents and resulting in poorer housing conditions and dwindling supply.
“We are not saying our model is the only way. We welcome the views of the wider industry and are open to debate as to which body would prove most apt for industry oversight and how regulation could, and should, work.”
Jack Dromey, shadow housing minister, added: “It’s right for the tenant, right for the landlord. It is right for the reputable lettings agents whose reputation is damaged by rogues.”
ARLA say the change is needed because of an increased reliance on the private rental sector in theUK, with demand outstripping supply.
According to ARLA, some 57% of its members say there are currently more tenants than there are available properties, while one in six households in the UK now rent their home from a private landlord, more than at any time in the past 50 years.
ARLA say that introducing mandatory regulation will help create a simpler and more transparent system, rooting out rogue operations and giving consumers reassurance and clarity.