Landlords Brace for More Property Listing Requirements

Nikka Sulton

Landlords Brace for More Property Listing Requirements

In the evolving landscape of property listings, landlords are set to face a new requirement, compelling them to provide a more exhaustive set of details about their properties. This directive, whether communicated directly or through letting agents, is part of an initiative led by the National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agent Team. The overarching goal of this endeavor is to equip consumers with a wealth of information about properties well in advance of viewings, enabling them to make more informed decisions as they navigate the process of considering rental or purchase offers.

This proactive approach seeks to bridge the gap between property seekers and landlords, fostering a more transparent and well-informed property market. By embracing this shift towards increased disclosure, the industry aims to enhance the overall experience for both landlords and potential tenants or buyers, promoting a more efficient and consumer-centric property transaction process.

These measures are designed to enhance the Consumer Protection Regulation from Unfair Trading Regulations established in 2008. The updated list includes fundamental property details like the number of bedrooms and location, while also incorporating information about utilities, parking, accessibility features, flood risk, and other aspects often omitted in current rental home advertisements.

Part A of this ‘material information’ was introduced by Trading Standards the previous year, mandating landlords and letting agents to provide essential details such as council tax band or rate, property price or rent, and tenure information. With the recent introduction of Parts B and C, the initiative aims to create a more comprehensive and informative framework for property listings, fostering transparency in the rental market.

Part B encompasses essential property information applicable to all properties, including property type, building materials, room count, and details about utilities and parking. On the other hand, Part C focuses on information relevant only if the property is impacted by specific issues, such as flood risk or restrictive covenants.

According to NTSELAT, buyers or renters will encounter new data fields on property portals, and any left empty will be flagged with an explanation of the missing information. This initiative aims to empower consumers by ensuring they are fully informed about a property before making a decision to move, addressing the historical challenge property agents faced in determining what information to provide and when to disclose it. James Munro from the National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Team emphasizes the importance of preventing emotional and financial challenges for consumers by ensuring crucial information is disclosed early in the process.

“I’m pleased to release this guidance after three years of collaborative work to define and clarify material information. Thanks to our partners, including property portals, industry leaders, and agents, for their significant contributions. This industry-wide effort aims to enhance consistency and elevate standards, ensuring agents have timely access to vital information.

With widespread industry support, I am confident that the transition will be seamless. The anticipated benefits, such as expedited transactions, reduced complaints and fall-throughs, and enhanced consumer trust, will be realized promptly.”

List of material information for Parts B and C (Note: Examples provided are not exhaustive)

Part B – information applicable to all properties:

Physical characteristics of the property:

Property type (e.g., house, flat, room to let, park home, etc.)
Property construction – key materials used in the main structure and other areas
Number and types of rooms, including room measurements

Utilities – how they are supplied:

Electricity supply
Water supply
Sewerage
Heating
Broadband – including type and an indication of speed
Mobile signal/coverage – including any known issues or restrictions
Parking

Part C – information relevant to specific property conditions:

Building Safety:

Presence of unsafe cladding, asbestos, or risk of collapse

Restrictions:

Conservation area status
Listed building status
Tree preservation order

Rights and Easements:

Public rights of way
Shared drives

Environmental Risks:

Flood risk
Coastal erosion risk

Planning Permission:

For the property itself
For its immediate locality

Accessibility/Adaptations:

Step-free access
Wet room
Essential living accommodation on entrance level

Special Areas:

Coalfield or mining area

Note: These details, if applicable, contribute to a comprehensive understanding of the property’s specific conditions, ensuring transparency for potential buyers or renters.