In this vital and wide-ranging episode of The Viking Chats, Kristjan sits down with Nicola Thivessen, Chairperson on the Zoopla Lettings Advisory Board and one of the UK’s most respected voices on lettings regulation, compliance, and raising standards across the private rented sector (PRS).With a career that spans frontline agency with some of the UK's biggest brands, Nicola brings a unique, full-spectrum view of how the lettings industry works - and where it’s currently failing to deliver for agents, landlords and tenants alike.This isn’t just a discussion about rules and red tape. It’s a conversation about real-world reform, practical professionalism, and the need for sanity in an increasingly complex sector.If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by legislation, frustrated by licensing, or simply tired of being reactive rather than strategic - this episode is your rallying cry.🎯 What You’ll Learn in This Episode:✅ The legislation overload - and why agents are struggling Nicola breaks down the growing pressure agents face under the weight of regulation - from licensing schemes to safety requirements, compliance codes and more. She explains why the system isn’t working for anyone, and why standardisation and education are the key to survival.✅ The truth about licensing - it’s inconsistent, ineffective, and often misunderstood We get into the mess of property licensing: how it varies wildly across local authorities, why it creates barriers for good agents, and what needs to change. Nicola shares examples from the frontlines and explains what the industry can do to push for smarter, fairer systems.✅ The importance of practical, proportionate reform While change is necessary, Nicola makes it clear that reforms must be realistic. We talk about how unintended consequences (like pushing landlords out or reducing supply) can be avoided through better consultation, clearer guidance and joined-up thinking.✅ How TLIC is changing the game Nicola gives a behind-the-scenes look at her work at The Lettings Industry Council (TLIC) - a coalition of agents, suppliers, regulators and stakeholders working to raise standards across the PRS. Their proposals around universal property MOTs, simplified licensing and training pathways could be the future of functional lettings.✅ Why professionalism must be proactive - not just reactive Agents can no longer wait for reforms to ‘settle’. Nicola argues that letting businesses must take the lead in improving processes, training teams and embedding standards now - not just to stay compliant, but to stay competitive.✅ CMP, PI, AML… and all the other acronyms you can’t ignore We cover key areas of compliance that many agents still misunderstand or underinvest in - including Client Money Protection, Professional Indemnity, and Anti-Money Laundering responsibilities. Nicola offers clear, practical advice on how to get it right.💬 Why This Episode MattersThe private rented sector is at a breaking point. Tenants are under pressure. Landlords are leaving. Agents are caught in the middle. And the only way through this? Better standards, clearer expectations, and genuine collaboration.Nicola Thivessen is helping to lead that charge.With a clear-eyed view of where the sector is now - and where it needs to go - Nicola offers practical hope and hard truths for agents who want to do things better. This episode isn’t just for compliance officers - it’s for anyone who believes letting agencies can (and should) be more respected, more strategic, and more sustainable.👂 Who Should Tune In?Letting agents navigating increasing regulationDirectors and branch managers building future-readSend us a text

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