Telephone bidding at auction may seem easier, but it brings extra responsibilities to both the buyer and the agent, says Katrine Sporle, Property Ombudsman?

The Property Ombudsman (TPO) scheme has issued new guidance concerning obtaining express consent from a tenant before accessing a property.

In the curious story of the dog and the licence, the agent as the one in the doghouse, says Katrine Sporle, Property Ombudsman.

The Property Ombudsman Scheme (TPO) has launched a new national campaign with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) to tackle lettings agents that are breaking the law by not displaying their fees.

The Property Ombudsman (TPO) scheme has today released its latest annual report revealing an increase in the number of consumers contacting the scheme for help. 

In the Ombudsman’s first annual report following her appointment last year, Katrine Sporle provides an overview of 2015, which includes statistical highlights on the top issues reported by consumers, the percentage of cases supported and membership growth figures, along with several varied consumer case studies.

TPO’s work with other trade bodies and Compliance Boards adds to the scheme’s unrivalled knowledge of all sectors of the property industry. This case concerns the actions of a search provider after a buyer alleged it had failed to disclose a planning application for a new town in the vicinity of the property she had purchased.

This buyer thought he had bought a two bed property at an auction, only to discover the house had just one bedroom. The Ombudsman’s role in this case was to unravel the events that proceeded the auction, and the actions of the agent on the day itself before the gavel fell.

The tenants who made this complaint claimed the agent only disclosed all their fees and charges after they had paid a non refundable holding deposit. The Ombudsman’s independent review of the case looked at what information was disclosed and when, to assess if the tenants were treated fairly.

The complainants in this case accused their agent of misrepresenting a property and misleading them into signing a Tenancy Agreement by advertising that the property had parking.

This landlord claimed their agent was negligent and in breach of contract for its failure to adequately reference two tenants who went on to accrue significant arrears, resulting in a court possession order. The agent, who used a recognised third party referencing company, disputed the claims and the landlord lodged a complaint with TPO seeking nearly £20,000 for rent arrears together with compensation for emotional trauma and distress.

This case concerns potential buyers who claimed the agent failed to disclose material information about a planning application for the development of 850 houses opposite a property they wanted to purchase.

Do you know the difference between a sole agency & sole selling rights agreement? This case involves a family executing a sale on behalf of a deceased relative and the importance of understanding your agency agreement.

Jane Erskine, Casework Director at The Property Ombudsman, contributes to an industry article published in October's edition of The Negotiator Magazine.

The Property Ombudsman is helping to raise standards in the property industry, says Katrine Sporle, Property Ombudsman.

Four separate estate and letting agents have been expelled from membership of The Property Ombudsman (TPO) and from registration for lettings redress for two or more years, after failing to pay awards made by the Ombudsman or to comply with parts of the TPO Code of Practice for Residential Letting Agents

On 1^st October, The Property Ombudsman (TPO) scheme will issue updated versions of all its Codes of Practice in order to address emerging industry issues; primarily the manipulation of internet portals, coined ‘portal juggling’. 

Access to properties can cause serious issues if the right of way is not documented, says Katrine Sporle, Property Ombudsman.

TPO launches online survey for UK lettings industry to support the Government’s CMP review

The Property Ombudsman (TPO) scheme is delighted to announce that BBC Radio 4 Presenter, Winifred Robinson, will be joining its national Conference on 12^th October 2016 as a consumer panellist.

If an agent intends to charge a 'performance fee' it must be clear before he goes on stage, says Katrine Sporle, Property Ombudsman.