The latest interim report released by The Property Ombudsman shows that more than half of the 9141 enquiries received related to lettings disputes, nearly double that of sales.

Christopher Hamer has been in the role of Property Ombudsman for the past nine years and nearing the end of his term. He’s calling for more rules for letting agents including a new Property Agents Act.

He said the current provisions do not go far enough in ensuring openness, disclosure and consistency for agents, tenants and landlords alike.

“A Property Agents Act would update the Estate Agents Act 1979 to reflect developments in the sales market and most relevantly now, bring lettings into a precise framework where all agent activity is covered by one piece of legislation,” said Hamer.

He has suggested licensing of agents, standardised tenancy agreements and compulsory client money protection could all be areas included in such an act.

The figures, published in The Property Ombudsman’s 2015 Interim Report, show that membership levels have grown by 16 per cent in the first half of the year.  A total of 1,587 complaints (up 34 per cent on the previous year) were resolved covering sales, lettings and other property matters between 1 January and 30 June 2015.