Tenants and landlords of properties across the UK will now benefit from a new partnership between the Ombudsman for Estate Agents (OEA) and National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS) allowing them easier access to settle disputes and seek early resolution to issues.

The new agreement with the OEA will give relief for both tenants and landlords and provide the lettings sector with a potentially faster service for a small annual fee. The procedure is based on seeking early agreement by all parties through a more informal decision process. Where this is not possible OEA will carry out a full review of the complaint.

Caroline Pickering, NALS’ chairperson, said: “It is our on-going aim to raise standards, add value and endorse best practice in the private lettings sector. And, of key importance is to support our accredited firms by securing the utmost credibility for them in their dealings with tenants and landlords. It makes total sense that adjudication should be open to both tenant and landlord in the unfortunate event that an intractable problem arises with a letting agent and here we have a solution that is cost-effective and straightforward for all parties – by recognising that early agreement is beneficial on all sides.”