LETTING agents are being urged to sign up to an approved redress scheme to avoid a hefty fine.

Cotswold District Council is reminding agents in the area that failing to sign up is a criminal offence and could cost up to £5,000.

Landlords need to sign up to one of the three approved schemes run by the Property Ombudsman, Ombudsman Services: Property, and The Property Redress Scheme.

Minister of State for Housing and Planning Brandon Lewis said: “Most tenants and landlords are happy with the service they get from their letting agent, but in the small number of cases where people have complaints these should be addressed quickly and effectively.

“That’s why from 1 October, letting agents will need to belong to one of three approved redress schemes.

“This will mean that anyone who feels they are not being treated fairly will have somewhere to go with their concerns – and could receive compensation.”

Letting agents who have not registered and are finding it difficult to do so should contact communications-newsdesk@communities.gsi.gov.uk before October 1.