What is RoPA and why do we need it?
The Regulation of Property Agents (RoPA) Working Group published a set of recommendations in July 2019, proposing minimum qualification requirements and a code of practice for estate and letting agents in England. Regulation is a key campaign and policy area for Propertymark and its members, who support the introduction of mandatory requirements for letting agents in England and for sales agents across the UK.
The aim is to protect consumers from unscrupulous practices and ensure they receive professional and ethical service. This is particularly important in the private rented sector (PRS) where over 64% of landlords rely on letting agents to manage their properties, and tenants often lack protection from unqualified or unethical agents.
Discussion but little progress
Despite various government commitments since 2019, ROPA has yet to be implemented. While the Housing Minister has reiterated his support there is no clear timeline for when this might happen. Propertymark believes regulation is crucial to developing the industry and protecting landlords and tenants, so the lack of concrete action is disappointing.
RoPA and Renters' Rights
The Renters' Rights Bill underscores the urgent need for RoPA, and while there is no indication that regulation will be included in the Bill, the focus on professional standards, compliance, and tenant rights could indirectly help agents prepare for the potential implementation of RoPA.
With significant changes to tenancy agreements and eviction procedures, it's crucial to have competent and qualified professionals managing these complex processes. Ensuring letting agents are adequately trained to navigate the new legislation would secure their role in upholding both landlords' and tenants' rights, and their contribution to a fairer and more transparent PRS.
The Bill will also introduce a digital PRS database, a new ombudsman service, and strengthened enforcement powers for local councils, highlighting the increasing importance of compliance and best practice. Agents need to be aware of these changes and adapt their practices accordingly, which will put them in a good position to comply with the regulatory framework proposed by RoPA, which also emphasises adherence to a Code of Practice and professional standards.
Supporting agents to adapt
Propertymark is supporting property agents to adapt to changes in the sector with reliable information, training, and resources.
We urge agents to utilise our upcoming webinars, courses or Regional Conferences to understand how the Renters’ Rights Bill might affect them and keep up to date on any further legislative proposals.
Members can also sign up for email updates on legislation by setting their preferences in their online account, visiting our online Knowledge Hub, and joining our hugely active and supportive Facebook Group.
Take action to make your voice heard
We continue to make the case for evidence-based policies that support a fair housing sector for all. To add your comments please email [email protected].
Writing to your MP as a resident. business owner or employee is a powerful way of ensuring your voice is heard. It is vital that legislative change is fit for purpose and does not cause landlords to leave the sector or deter new entrants from providing much needed homes to rent.
Act now with our campaign toolkit, complete with guidance, templates, and essential talking points.
