One of the country’s leading leasehold lawyers has urged the government to deliver on its promise to tackle unscrupulous property agents.

Back in July 2019 RoPA urged action to protect consumers in the letting and management market.

But that message appears to have constantly fallen on deaf ears as anyone can still become an agent, regardless of their background, skills or experience.

Now Anushka Nicholas (pictured), head of leasehold enfranchisement at Leeds-based Blacks Solicitors, is calling on Government again to put an end to the anxiety leaseholders face when dealing with untrustworthy and incompetent managing agents.

So far, the Government’s official response has only been to aim to create a fairer property management system that works for all parties; proposals include an independent regulator and a single, mandatory and enforceable Code of Practice for managing agents which could lead to criminal sanctions for a breach.

Fee structure

As well as simplifying the Right to Manage process a maximum fee structure could be introduced for providing leasehold information (LPE1) capped at £200 plus VAT.

But Nicholas wants action now and argues: “Many leasholders find the legal jargon confusing.”

While the current proposals had merit, she adds: “They reduce uncertainty for leaseholders – who manages their property and being assured that whoever that may be, will be legally obliged to follow strict codes of conduct and maintain professional standards.”