More than 60 MPs have now signed an Early Day Motion (EDM) which highlights their concern at the Government’s recent decision to abandon plans for a national register for landlords and for further regulation of the private rented sector (PRS).

The EDM outlines the role that the PRS plays in supporting the UK housing market but that rogue landlords and lettings agents pose a threat to consumers.

The Property Ombudsman has already noted that the number of complaints against such landlords and lettings agents has risen.

By signing the EDM, the MPs are supporting a call to create a national register of landlords and for further regulation of landlords and letting agents.

Ian Potter, Operations Manager of the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA), said: “ARLA has long campaigned for the introduction of compulsory regulation of lettings agents, along the same lines as our own member-led licensing scheme launched last year. Currently, any person or organisation can become a letting agent.

“The Housing Minister Grant Shapps MP has pledged to work with ARLA to develop an industry-led solution to remove unprofessional letting agents from the market. We also welcome the Government’s support for ARLA’s licensing scheme, but we will continue to press the Government to recognise the importance of government regulation for the PRS.

“We greatly appreciate the support that the MPs have offered with this EDM. Until the current status quo is changed via national regulation, unprofessional, unqualified and unethical operators will continue to prey at the expense of the general public.”