The Act enables the government to approve or designate one or more redress schemes which all private landlords who rent out property on an assured or regulated tenancy in England will be required to join, regardless of whether they use an agent. This will ensure all tenants under relevant tenancies have access to redress services to deal with their complaints, and that landlords remain accountable for their own conduct and legal responsibilities. The intention is that the government will approve or designate only one scheme to act as Ombudsman for the sector.
	The Act provides for membership of an approved or designated scheme to be mandatory and for landlords to remain members, including for a specified period after ceasing to let the property. It provides for local councils to be able to take enforcement action against landlords that fail to join an approved or designated scheme, or who are expelled for failure to adhere to their member obligations. It also sets out the redress powers of a scheme, which will include compelling landlords to issue an apology, provide an explanation, take remedial action, and/or pay compensation.
Detail of individual policies in the Act Landlord redress schemes