3. Agents Responsibilities

Question 1

Under common law, agents have what duties towards landlords?

Answer 1

• To make them aware of agents services and charges before any business transaction commences
• To make them aware of their statutory and contractual obligations
• To maintain a separate client account
• To take up sufficient references
• To manage the property in line with agreed terms of business
• To keep keys secure

Question 2

Agents must ensure that they what? (in regards to viewings)

Answer 2

That they act on client instructions and provide feedback after each viewing

Question 3

Agents have what towards tenants?

Answer 3

A duty of care, even though they do not have a contractual relationship

Question 4

Agents must give applicants or tenants what?

Answer 4

Details of all charges at the point when they could cancel the agreement without penalty

Question 5

Details of charges must be clearly shown where?

Answer 5

On websites and in the agents office

Question 6

Agents must ensure that applicants what?

Answer 6

Understand tenancy agreements and processes and have the opportunity to take advice or ask questions before signing

Question 7

There are various what that agents can belong to?

Answer 7

Regulatory bodies which set out codes of practice for their members

Question 8

Letting agents must belong to what?

Answer 8

An independent redress scheme

Question 9

Agents must be what in their transactions with landlords, applicants and tenants?

Answer 9

Transparent

Question 10

As best practice, agents must ensure they advise of what?

Answer 10

All parties in writing if they have a personal interest in the property in question (as soon as possible)

Question 11

The consumer protection rights require agents to ensure that consumers have what?

Answer 11

Sufficient information to enable them to make informed decisions