Letting agents and property managers that deal with residential properties must join a government-approved redress scheme.
The scheme means that tenants, prospective tenants and landlords dealing with lettings agents in the private rented sector, as well as leaseholders and freeholders dealing with property managers in the residential sector, can complain to an independent body about the service they have received.
The scheme aims to raise standards in the private housing sector by making it easier for tenants and landlords to complain about poor service.
How to register
By law, residential lettings agents and property managers must register with one of the approved redress schemes:
Each scheme publishes a list of members online so tenants, prospective tenants and landlords can check to make sure a lettings agent or property manager has joined a scheme, and find out how to make a complaint.
Enforcement
Where we suspect that a letting agent or property manager is not registered with one of the approved redress schemes, we can serve a penalty notice and impose a fine of up to £5000.
If you think a lettings agent or property manager in the borough has not joined a government approved redress scheme, you can report it to us by email to psho@chesterfield.gov.uk or call 01246 345748
Further information
Guide to the lettings agents and property managers redress scheme.
The Redress Schemes for Lettings Agency Work and Property Management Work (England) Order 2014
If you have any queries please contact the private sector housing team on 01246 345748 or email psho@chesterfield.gov.uk.