A Sector In Transition - TLIC Publishes Report on Regulation of Property Agents
The Letting Industry Council (TLIC) co-founded by Theresa Wallace and Kate Faulkner OBE comprises of lettings experts from across the industry, professional bodies, deposit schemes, service providers for both landlords and tenants, and representatives from large and small lettings agents. Government advisors also proactively attend the meetings enabling two-way feedback on current issues.
Members are united by their desire to help standards rise across lettings and this wide group represents the views of all parties in the PRS.
The TLIC RoPA Working Group Report
England remains one of the few developed countries where estate, letting, and managing agents can operate without mandatory qualifications, licensing, or registration, despite handling transactions involving consumers’ most significant financial commitments.
The Report from the TLIC RoPA Working Group sets out a practical, proportionate regulatory framework to close that gap, building on Lord Best’s 2019 ROPA recommendations and successful models already operating in Scotland and Wales.
Why Reform Is Needed
Current arrangements leave consumers exposed to inconsistent standards and limited accountability.
TLIC’s 2025 survey of 616 property professionals highlights the scale of the issue: -
• 65% of agents hold no formal property qualification
• 70.5% support mandatory qualifications and registration
• 82% believe regulation would improve professionalism
• 83% already undertake CPD, showing readiness for formal requirements.
Agents report frustration at competing with unqualified operators and a lack of effective enforcement. Meanwhile, consumers rarely ask about credentials, suggesting they assume agents are already regulated.
What the Framework Would Deliver
A statutory system of qualifications, licensing, and ongoing professional development would:-
• Ensure every practitioner is competent, accountable, and working to clear standards
• Provide meaningful consumer protection through a public register and enforceable conduct rules
• Improve market efficiency, reducing disputes and enabling fair competition based on quality
• Strengthen public confidence in a sector often criticised for inconsistency
• Support career development, helping attract and retain skilled professionals.
A Proportionate, Achievable Path Forward
The proposed framework recognises the experience of long‑serving practitioners through transition arrangements and recognition of prior learning. It builds on existing voluntary CPD habits and aligns with international norms.
TLIC stands ready to work with government and industry to deliver a modern, professional regulatory system that protects consumers and elevates standards across the property sector.
Read More
https://www.landlordzone.co.uk/news/two-thirds-of-letting-agents-have-no-formal-qualifications