Cameron told agents want licensing...

26 January 2009

2163 Reads
7 Comments

Written by Rosalind Renshaw

Tory leader David Cameron has paid a visit to the new offices of VTUK, a supplier of estate agency and letting agency software, in his Oxfordshire constituency.

He spent an hour on site, speaking to staff, and hearing about issues in the industry, such as the failure of many new ‘accidental’ landlords to observe laws on gas safety and tenancy deposits. He also heard about the push for licensing of agents.

Afterwards, managing director Peter Grant said: “We have been supplying systems for the property industry for 20 years and have over 1,200 companies using our systems, with approximately 350,000 properties under management. We are being sent a strong message that reputable agents want licensing now, via existing bodies.

“Mr Cameron showed a fantastic grasp of the industry and an understanding of what is actually happening within lettings and management, and surprised us all by his perceptiveness.”

VTUK systems include Aquarius for estate agents and Gemini for lettings.

Comments

- Adult
Grow up Mark, the industry is facing serious issues and if you can't see this is important news, go into recruitment or an industry more suited to your level of intelligence.
- 22 February 2009 19:16 PM
- marky
yet again an article appears in the guise of one thing when its agenda is clearly another. oh what a suprise licensing wrapped up in an advert for vtuk software one of the site sponsers come on rosalind more news less sucking up to your advertisers. licensing is a serious debate and long overdue.
- 26 January 2009 14:32 PM
- Trevor Mealham (INEA)
Lots and lots of regulation for agents. So who's regulating the SELF SALE Vendors.....
- 26 January 2009 13:14 PM
- Peter
Selling one day letting next day. Letting is a doddle. What is there to know, just find a tenant and get them to sign an agreement, isn't it!
- 26 January 2009 11:22 AM
- Sleepless in Ashford MNAEA
There may be many regulators but they don't have much in the way of teeth.
I know from experience that there is little enforcement going on which makes it more difficult for those of us who take pride in our careers and 'toe the line'. It is very often the 'cheap-rate' agents, sales or lettings, who cut corners to save money.
- 26 January 2009 11:14 AM
- over regulated
NARLS, TDS, EA Omnibusman, ARLA, Client protection.
We are regulated. If bad agents bend or ignore the rules its not that we need MORE regulation but better enforcement.

Are there really that many bad letting agents?
- 26 January 2009 11:02 AM
- Sleepless in Ashford MNAEA
Bring on the Regulators. Our industry needs a thorough clean-up. There are far too many agents bending or ignoring the regulations and professional 'Rules of Conduct'
- 26 January 2009 10:56 AM