The planning rules governing estate-agent boards remain relevant. The Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007 allow specified temporary sale and letting boards, subject to conditions, including removal after the sale or letting. Agents should also check local restrictions or directions before displaying a board.
We have recently been asked whether a to-let board can be put up when a tenancy is being renewed. The purpose being good marketing for the agent.
The answer is unfortunately, no.
Under the Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007, Schedule 3, Part 1 3A it states:
(2) No advertisement may be displayed indicating that land or premises have been sold or let, other than by the addition to an existing advertisement of a statement that a sale or letting has been agreed, or that the land or premises have been sold or let, subject to contract.
(3) The advertisement shall be removed within 14 days after the completion of a sale or the grant of a tenancy.
A sign must already be up and removed within 14 days of the tenancy. To put up a sign when an agreement already exists will be false advertising.
Useful UK legal and solicitor links
- Legislation.gov.uk: Town and Country Planning (Control of Advertisements) (England) Regulations 2007
- Planning Portal: Advertisement consent
- Osbornes Law: Landlord and tenant solicitors
This article provides general information only and is not a substitute for legal or tax advice on a specific case.
