Latest TPO updates:

EIGHT AGENTS EXPELLED FROM THE PROPERTY OMBUDSMAN

Published on Thursday, 30 April 2020. Posted in Press Releases

Eight estate and letting agents have been expelled from membership of The Property Ombudsman (TPO) after failing to comply with parts of the TPO Codes of Practice*. All of the agents have ceased trading, five are in liquidation and all have been referred to Trading Standards.

Tonbridge estate agent expelled from The Property Ombudsman owing a tenant £1,400

Published on Thursday, 30 April 2020. Posted in Press Releases

Buyers, sellers, tenants and landlords in Tonbridge, Kent, are being warned that a local estate and letting agent, The Olive Branch Estate Limited (trading as The Olive Branch), has been expelled from The Property Ombudsman (TPO) scheme owing a tenant £1,400. This means that the agent can no longer legally trade until the outstanding award is paid, although appears to have ceased trading. 

Ilford estate agent expelled from The Property Ombudsman owing a landlord £2,830

Published on Thursday, 30 April 2020. Posted in Press Releases

Buyers, sellers, tenants and landlords in Barkingside, Ilford, are being warned that a local estate and letting agent, Residential Asset Management Limited (trading as RAM), has been expelled from The Property Ombudsman (TPO) scheme owing a tenant £2,830. This means that the agent can no longer legally trade until the outstanding award is paid.

COVID-19 Notice

Published on Tuesday, 17 March 2020.

We are actively monitoring the situation regarding the outbreak of Coronavirus (COVID-19). Our top priority is to ensure the welfare of our employees whilst also ensuring that we will continue to maintain the level of service that consumers and agents have come to expect from us.

The Property Ombudsman responds to “No DSS” legal victories

Published on Wednesday, 04 March 2020. Posted in Press Releases

Following the legal victories of two tenants who have both won out-of-court settlements against "No DSS" letting agents, The Property Ombudsman (TPO) has issued a reminder to its member agents of their obligations not to discriminate. TPO has also confirmed it will consider obtaining Assured Advice and strengthening its Codes of Practice in the next update to clearly prohibit ‘No DSS’ clauses in rental advertisements.

Reading estate agent expelled from The Property Ombudsman owing a landlord nearly £5000

Published on Thursday, 20 February 2020. Posted in Press Releases

Buyers, sellers, tenants and landlords in Reading, are being warned that a local estate and letting agent, Concept Lettings Ltd (trading as Concept Sales & Lettings), has been expelled from The Property Ombudsman (TPO) scheme owing a landlord £4,704.79. This means that the agent can no longer legally trade until the outstanding award is paid. 

The Property Ombudsman implements ‘fair usage’ policy as part of fees review

Published on Wednesday, 13 November 2019. Posted in Press Releases

For new members, renewals and new branches from January 2020, The Property Ombudsman (TPO) will implement a ‘fair usage’ policy, meaning that members which consistently generate the most Ombudsman supported complaints will pay more towards the costs of the scheme. This comes as TPO also announces its first increase to membership fees in six years.