The rules for letting agents are changing redreSS required Since 1 october 2014, all letting agents and property managers must be members of one of three government-approved letting agency redress schemes. itis now a criminal offence for a letting agent not to be a member. these free-to-use schemes have been introduced to allow tenants, landlords, leaseholders and freeholders dealing with agents to complain to an independent person about the service they have received. adecision made by an independent redress scheme is binding on all parties. CraCking doWn on CounterFeiterS If a customer does not get what they are paying for, the consequences could be harmful to their pocket and their health. As a retailer, it is your responsibility to make sure you arent selling counterfeit goods. You should always purchase your stock from reputable suppliers who can give you the appropriate documentation and traceability. If you are taking over a business, ensure that any inherited stock isgenuine. Help to protect the honest business community by reporting counterfeit goods to our Fakes Hotline on 0845 894 1008. these schemes typically require letting agencies to: l Follow a code of practice l Have an in-house complaints procedure l Cooperate with any investigation and agree to pay compensation promptly estate agencies, which are already required to belong to ascheme, should check whether the terms of their existingmembership cover their letting agency work as wellas their estate agency work. if your business already belongs to the pre-existing Property Ombudsman or Ombudsman Services Property schemes, it will automatically become an approved redress scheme member. Click to watch the Property Ombudsman discuss the importance of registration Joining any of the three schemes (see box, Find out more, right) involves a simple application process that can be completed online, fIND OUT MORE or with a paper application The three government-approved letting agent form. Moreinformation about redress schemes are: membership requirements, l The Property Ombudsman (TPO) joining instructions and fees l Ombudsman Services Property l The Property Redress Scheme can be found on each of the schemes websites. Credits: Bob Charnley images: fotogestoeber / Shutterstock