At Lawton & Dawe Properties, we’ve always believed that professional standards matter—especially in an industry that directly affects people’s homes, finances and wellbeing.
That’s why we’re disappointed, though not surprised, by the government’s recent decision to reject proposals for regulating letting agents.
This is yet another missed opportunity to bring accountability and transparency to a sector that, despite handling billions of pounds in rental transactions, remains shockingly unregulated.
As far as we are concerned, there is no valid reason why every agent working in lettings should not be properly qualified. Just as you wouldn’t trust an unqualified solicitor or financial advisor, landlords and tenants should demand the same standards from their letting agents. At Lawton & Dawe, we’ve always championed qualified professionals—because expertise, ethics and legal knowledge aren’t optional; they’re essential.
If the government won’t enforce regulation, then it’s up to landlords and tenants to ensure the professionals they are working with, are up to standard. Ask your agent: Are you qualified? If the answer is no, ask why not?
This industry must evolve—and qualification is the bare minimum.
