Almost two-thirds of letting agents have no property qualification, prompting fresh calls for tighter regulation of the sector.
The Lettings Industry Council (TLIC) wants the government to introduce mandatory competency standards for lettings practitioners.
It is also calling for enforceable conduct rules and a public register.
TLIC argues that the current system leaves a “regulatory gap”. It says this results in inconsistent standards and limited accountability.
Research conducted by TLIC in 2025 found that 65% of agents held no property qualification.
Meanwhile, 82% of those surveyed believed regulation would improve professionalism in the lettings industry.
TLIC now wants the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government to revive a dedicated working group on regulation.
It is also calling for an impact assessment and new primary legislation.
Under the proposals, practitioners would need to demonstrate appropriate competence and meet defined professional standards.
TLIC also wants ministers to consult professional bodies and seek cross-party support for reform.
The intervention follows years of debate over the regulation of property agents.
Lord Richard Best, chair of the Regulation of Property Agents Working Group, backed the case for greater regulation.
He said: “It is great to see the whole of the lettings industry getting behind the case for regulation, qualifications and professionalism for the sector.
“The recommendations of the Regulation of Property Agents Working Group have been largely adopted by the industry.”
Theresa Wallace, co-chair of TLIC, said: “At a time when the lettings market continues to be affected by the consequences of the Renters’ Rights Act, the need for greater professionalisation is more important than ever.
“It is critical that the public has the utmost confidence in the integrity of the market.”
Comments (1)
Not all qualifications are equal either. I’m very against people doing qualifications just to “tick a box”. The chosen qualification should genuinely increase skills in business generation as well as teaching all the relevant law. Then this creates rounded agents who help a business grow and customer service improves people fully understand their role. In current market conditions agents should be spotting opportunities and building relationships. Your qualifications should help that – as that ultimately helps both the consumer and the company.