Written question asked by Justin Tomlinson (Conservative) on Wednesday, 9 March 2011, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Monday, 14 March 2011. It was answered by Grant Shapps (Conservative) on Monday, 28 March 2011 on behalf of the Department for Communities and Local Government.

Leasehold: Regulation

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Communities and Local Government if he will assess the merits of introducing a system of regulation of managing agents of leasehold properties.

Answer: The Government recognise the need to strike the correct balance of rights and responsibilities between freeholders (landlords) and leaseholders. It is important that landlords and managing agents as well as other businesses operate in a socially responsible manner. As with all regulation, state intervention should be proportionate, seeking to raise standards where there is bad practice, and avoiding unnecessary burdens across the leasehold sector.My Department continues to receive representations from leaseholders and freeholders (landlords) on the broader issues of residential leasehold. We have considered the issue of regulation in the leasehold management sector and believe that the current legislative framework can deliver that balance, if matched by an increasingly pro-active and positive approach by the professionals in the sector. We are therefore not convinced by the case for regulating managing agents in the leasehold sector but, while we have no immediate plans to make any changes, we will keep the matter under consideration.

Secondary information