Law Society seeks feedback on new letting agents regulations

The Scottish government is in the process of preparing to implement a new scheme for the mandatory regulation and registration of letting agents in Scotland.

The act’s definition of “letting agents” is very broad and could therefore affect a number of Scottish solicitors and their firms or organisations.

The society is asking any members who think that they or their firm/organisation may carry out letting agency work as defined in the act, to let them know by 11 February so that they can determine how many Scottish solicitors and firms/organisations may potentially be affected by the regulations.

The new regulations are expected to include mandatory registration of all letting agents, a code of practice, training requirements, a scheme for monitoring compliance and enforcement and a complaints regime.

Depending on the level of interest, the Law Society has also proposed forming a small working party, enabling Scottish solicitors to have their say on the detailed proposals contained in the draft regulations.

The society is encouraging any members who think the new regulations may affect them, or is interested in joining a working party on this subject, to visit its website here.