About NTSEAT

Learn about the National Trading Standards Estate Agency Team (NTSEAT), including who we are and what we do.

Who we are

The National Trading Standards Estate Agency Team (NTSEAT) is responsible for the regulation of estate agency work in the UK.

NTSEAT has officers appointed by Powys County Council, as the lead enforcement authority under the Estate Agents Act 1979.

Funding for the two National Trading Standards Estate and Letting Agency Teams is provided by a grant from The Ministry of Housing Communities & Local Government (MHCLG).  

The funding is ring-fenced by the host lead enforcement authorities for the work of the team.

For information on letting agents, visit the NTS Letting Agents Team (NTSLAT) website hosted by Bristol City Council, or email NTSLAT@bristol.gov.uk.

Find more information on National Trading Standards, their work areas and teams.

What the Powys team does (NTSEAT)

The Powys-based team is responsible for enforcing and supporting compliance with estate agency legislation across the UK. Their work includes:

• oversight of how relevant estate agency legislation is working and being enforced
• issuing prohibition and warning orders that concern whether a person is unfit to engage in estate agency work 
• approval and oversight of the UK's consumer redress schemes, Ombudsmen, and Alternative Dispute Resolution entities in the estate agency sector
• publication of guidance and advice for the public and enforcement authorities on estate agency work in the UK

The Powys team works closely with the NTS Letting Agency Team (NTSLAT) and is notified when offences under the Tenant Fees Act (TFA) by letting or property managers may serve as a 'trigger' under the Estate Agents Act 1979. In such cases, NTSEAT may investigate their fitness to engage in estate agency work.

What we do not do

We do not:

• give specific, individual advice to consumers or businesses
• mediate or arbitrate in individual complaints
• award civil redress
• conduct routine investigations: these are the responsibility of local Trading Standards. However, in certain circumstances we may investigate cases where a local authority is unable to do so