The National Approved Letting Scheme (NALS) is calling for urgent and unequivocal clarification for its firms with regards to the new pricing structure being introduced by TDS (The Dispute Service).

Caroline Pickering, Chair of the organisation, said: “We have been inundated by calls from our licensed firms confused and very concerned about the new pricing increase announced by TDS this week.

“Agents, and other firms in the locality who are TDS members, have conferred on the new rates but have not been able to make sense of the new charging structure. We too are concerned on their behalf.

“To help agents understand – and more importantly budget ahead and allow them to run their businesses cost effectively – we are calling on the TDS to publish a clear formula for the calculation of their fees.

This includes complete disclosure regarding the differentiation in fees charged to firms who are part of NALS and to those who are members of a trade association. Protecting the consumer is of paramount importance and our firms are fully committed to this.

But it is absolutely critical that agents are provided with clarification on how their rates are being worked out, as at the moment they feel it is random at best.”

The call by NALS for more clarification over TDS pricing comes shortly after Mydeposits.co.uk, the pay-as-you-go insurance-based tenancy deposit protection scheme, assured buy to let landlords in the private rented sector that it would not be increasing prices during 2010 despite an announcement by The Dispute Service (TDS) that its costs are going up by 23 percent.

 

• The National Landlords Association (NLA) has raised £500 for London’s leading waterways charity, Thames21.

Instead of sending Christmas cards to colleagues and stakeholders, NLA employees donated money to help transform neglected and littered waterways across the Capital.

Every year Thames21 mobilise thousands of volunteers to clean up waterside grot-spots, remove graffiti and create wildlife habitat.

Thames21 aims to transform waterways into areas that everyone can use and enjoy by encouraging Londoners, and the London business community, to treat their waterways with care and respect.

Debbie Leach, Chief Executive, Thames21, in accepting the donation, said: “We are delighted to have the support of the NLA. In 2009 Thames21 mobilised more than 8,000 volunteers to make practical and lasting improvements to London’s waterways. With the support of London’s business community, we can engage even more people from all across London to improve and protect London’s rivers and canals.”

David Salusbury, Chairman, NLA, said: “With our offices overlooking the River Thames, the NLA team has risen to the challenge of raising money for this well-deserving charity which makes such a difference to communities across London. We are proud to be involved with Thames21 and look forward to working with them during the coming 12 months.”