Estate agents furious with Shelter over latest video ‘stunt’
Video that paints agents as immoral, uncaring and keen to place tenants in dangerous slum properties is 'appalling and childish' says Propertymark.
Industry trade association Propertymark has slammed Shelter for its ‘childish war on the PRS’ following the lobbying group’s latest promotional video featuring a fake lettings agency.
The video, which portrays an annoying and patronising lettings agency talking to members of the public outside a fake agency called Only Choice Lettings, trying to persuade them to rent sub-standard and dangerous imaginary properties featuring rats, mould and dangerous appliances.
But the publicity stunt, which is designed to illustrate Shelter’s campaign to raise the quality of property within the private rented sector, has been described by Propertymark’s CEO Nathan Emerson (pictured) as ‘appalling’.
He says Shelter’s war on the PRS is one of the main reasons why tenants are now faced with very little choice, which is nonsensical given it is the country’s second largest tenure and they want to end homelessness.
“Shelter also wish to enhance standards in the sector, but 83% of tenants state they are satisfied with their properties and recent ONS figures show that investment in repairs and maintenance to private accommodation has seen all-time highs over the past 18 months.
“This is in stark contrast to the social sector that has seen investment in repairs and maintenance at the lowest levels since records began over the last two years.
Ridiculed
“The private rented sector is regularly called upon to support the social housing sector, yet its value is being overlooked, undervalued and now ridiculed.
“Thousands of agents take pride in their work, are passionate about providing a good service and go above and beyond for tenants. Shelter’s narrow-minded attack undermines those professionals who work hard for their landlords and tenants.
“If Shelter truly wanted to ‘fix’ the ‘broken rented system’ they would engage with the sector to understand how to recognise good agents whilst removing the minority of bad ones.
“If Shelter supported us in our calls for the Regulation of Property Agents the sector may get some workable, tangible results.
“Letting agents want to see rogue agents that bring them into disrepute removed, Shelter want to see rogue agents removed. We have common goals to see a high standard sector, but that goal will not be realised in a childish war.”
Who thinks PropertyMark should seek legal advice over defamation, seek its costs and an apology. ?
PropertyMark to write to sponsors of Shelter, on total cost, to highlight how ‘ charitable [sic] ( and Govt Tax-payer ) funds are being used.
I believe PropertyMark should seek legal advice over defamation, seek its costs and an apology
PropertyMark to write to sponsors of Shelter, on total cost, to highlight how ‘ charitable [sic] ( and Govt Tax-payer ) funds are being used.
Great words Nathan:
He says Shelter’s war on the PRS is one of the main reasons why tenants are now faced with very little choice, which is nonsensical given it is the country’s second largest tenure and they want to end homelessness.
I’m biggest Benefit Landlord in Nottingham, Shelter & Polly & Head solicitor knows who I am, not verbally spoke to me once. I’ll still Welcome ’em with open arms. As I am no longer taking Benefit tenants, if they wish to come prosecute me, please do. Let’s get it out in the open. And when they do prosecute another Letting Agent or Landlord, that’s another 1000 Landlords that say Ooh what’s going off here then, I’m not taking Benefit UC tenants any more.
This why I believe Nathan is the most progressive leader Propertymark has ever had. Well said as it is, stop these people trying to make a mockery of our industry.
Unfortunately there are still rogues in our industry, but it is a slim minority and the professionals are fed up with them too. Exactly right we want to engage and work together with these lobby groups.
Would love to sit down in a room with them.