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A north London council has become one of the first in the UK to launch a lettings agency.

Haringey Council has set up a private sector lettings agency to help protect renters from "rip-off fees and charges".

Move 51 North, which launched on Thursday, will be the first lettings agency in conjunction with a council to help private tenants who are not on temporary or social housing lists.

The council said it set up the company to give tenants a “fairer deal” and help landlord provide a reliable service.

Landlords will be matched with tenants who face rent hikes, inflated contract renewal fees or who have had bad service from other lettings companies.

Councillor Alan Strickland, cabinet member for housing and regeneration, said: “Private tenants in London are too often forgotten in the noisy debate about the housing market in our city.

“Haringey is fast becoming one of London’s most popular places to live and work, and we know many people prefer the flexibility of the private rented sector – which is why it’s vital we do more to protect them from rogue landlords and unscrupulous lettings firms.

“I’m delighted to launch our new lettings agency today that will offer both renters and landlords a better deal and help stamp out rip-off fees and charges.”