Letting agents should be aware that the Government has not yet announced the date when they must belong to an authorised redress scheme.

Although it has been reported elsewhere that October 1 is the start date, this is not yet confirmed, said The Property Ombudsman.

While the date may be correct, Christopher Hamer said: “Although one publication have stated that the Department for Communities and Local Government has announced the date for the implementation of the lettings redress arrangements, DCLG confirmed yesterday that they have yet to make any formal statement in this regard.

“What is clear is that the announcement of the start date will be made shortly and that each of the three approved schemes will be involved in that to ensure the lettings industry is properly and objectively briefed.”

TPO is the largest of the three schemes and Hamer said that around 65% of letting agents are already voluntarily in membership.

TPO members will not need to take any action with respect to the new legal requirement as their TPO membership ensures they are fully compliant.

Those letting agents who register with TPO can choose to support the Code of Practice, which Hamer said marks them out from firms that simply follow the minimal requirements of the relevant property and consumer laws.

He said of the compulsory redress requirement: “This will be a significant milestone for the lettings industry. It does not bring about a regulatory regime but is a positive step to ensure a level playing field for agents that will increase consumer protection for tenants and landlords alike.”