Estate Agents Act 1979: Core legislation regulating estate agency work in England and Wales. Requires transparency in fees and services and sets out fundamental obligations for agents.
Consumer Rights Act 2015: Modern consumer protection legislation requiring transparency in fees and charges, mandating fairness in contract terms, and protecting consumer rights in property transactions.
Housing Act 2004: Sets standards for property management and includes provisions for HMO (Houses in Multiple Occupation) licensing where applicable.
Landlord and Tenant Act 1985: Defines fundamental landlord and agent obligations and establishes standards for property condition and maintenance.
Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008: Prohibits misleading practices in property marketing, requires accurate property descriptions, and mandates disclosure of material information to potential tenants.
Provision of Services Regulations 2009: Regulates service providers including letting agents, ensuring transparency and professional standards in service delivery.
Data Protection Act 2018 and UK GDPR: Governs the handling of personal data in property transactions and ongoing property management.
Money Laundering Regulations 2017: Sets requirements for due diligence and verification of parties involved in property transactions to prevent financial crime.
Client Money Protection Schemes for Property Agents Regulations 2019: Requires agents to protect client money through approved schemes and maintain proper financial controls.
Property Ombudsman Code of Practice: Professional standards and best practices for property agents, providing guidance on ethical conduct and dispute resolution.
RICS Professional Standards: Additional professional standards applicable to RICS-registered agents, setting out detailed requirements for professional practice.
