Partnership aims to settle landlord disputes

It is hoped that a new partnership will help to speed up the resolution of disputes between buy-to-let investors and tenants.

The Ombudsman for Estate Agents (OEA) and National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS) have come together in a bid to settle disputes cheaply and quickly.

The idea is that most disagreements are settled early in an informal decision process.

"It is our on-going aim to raise standards, add value and endorse best practice in the private lettings sector," said Caroline Pickering, NALS chair.

"And, of key importance is to support our accredited firms by securing the utmost credibility for them in their dealings with tenants and landlords.

"It makes total sense that adjudication should be open to both tenant and landlord in the unfortunate event that an intractable problem arises with a letting agent and here we have a solution that is cost-effective and straightforward for all parties – by recognising that early agreement is beneficial on all sides," she continued.

The partnership is said to have come about is response to a growing need within the private rental sector for independent redress.

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