OFT calls for new law to curb letting agents Cavendish Elithorn, a senior director at the OFT, said: "It's important that tenants ask for key information, but we also believe that Government, industry and enforcers working together can have a real impact and improve overall standards in the lettings market This report sets out our view on what improvements could be made to address concerns with this market and we are keen to play our part in bringing together those involved in the lettings industry to focus efforts where they are most needed. Richard Lloyd, chief executive at consumer group Which?, said that the recommendations were a "step in the right direction" but called on the government to do more. It published its own findings in November after an in-depth study of the market. "Our own investigation uncovered bad practice, high and unexpected fees and a lack of consumer protection that's failing both tenants and landlords," he said. Information on compulsory fees should be provided upfront, in adverts or at the first point of contact with an agent, so that people can shop around. And the Government must act quickly to require all agents to sign up to a complaints scheme so that tenants know where to turn to for redress when things go wrong. This should be done by amending the Enterprise Bill currently before Parliament. Currently, estate agents are required to join a complaints scheme, under the Consumers, Estate Agent and Redress Act 2007, but letting and managing agents are not. An amendment to the Enterprise and Regulatory Reform Bill which, if passed, would require all lettings agents to sign up to a redress scheme is expected to be debated in House of Lords in March.