Policy for the enforcement and determination of financial penalties for breaches of relevant letting agency requirements

Proposal

The Trading Standards Team within the Business and Consumer Protection Service are responsible for regulating certain legislative requirements which govern the activities of letting Agents and other persons involved in property management. These requirements include restrictions on the fees that can be charged; the need to belong to a redress scheme and where applicable a client money protection scheme; the provision and display of fees and membership of any scheme.

The attached proposed policy explains how the Council can use civil penalties as an alternative to prosecution in cases where non-compliance has been identified and sets out how civil penalties, of up to £30,000, will be determined.

The overwhelming majority of letting agents and persons involved in property management in Shropshire operate lawfully and will comply with these requirements but the use of civil penalties, will help us deter and tackle any individuals and businesses that choose not to.

We would welcome any views on the attached draft policy.