It’s war! ARLA urges agents to take tenant fees ban battle to MPs’ constituencies

After failing to persuade the government that the tenant fees ban will lead to a rise in rents, poorer quality properties and fewer jobs within the property industry, the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA) has taken its war direct to MPs in their constituencies. This is somewhat of a U-turn compared to the organisation’s position earlier this month when David Cox, ARLA’s Chief Executive, (pictured, above) appeared to throw in the towel and told members following the Bill’s Introduction to parliament that they “must start preparing for when it comes into force”. The trade association, which says the fees ban is not the “black and white” issue portrayed by the government, has emailed all its members urging them to contact their local MPs ahead of the Tenant Fees Bill’s passage through parliament, which was announced earlier this month. Agents are being asked to both book face-to-face meetings at MPs’ surgeries and send letters. The ARLA tenant fees ban campaign includes a briefing paper for agents to use when they contact their local MP, and a toolkit that includes a letter ready to send to the politicians. As well as urging MPs to consider the impact on their local property…