Agents not giving landlords ‘clear opportunity to positively consent’ to energy switching should amend Terms of Business
TPO says agents should only use positive opt-in to services
Hot Topics
The end of discriminatory ‘No DSS’ clauses in rental contracts?
TPO comments on landmark ruling that has judged housing benefit discrimination as unlawful and in breach of the Equality Act.
Agents can keep incentive payments from councils – but only if the landlord agrees
Property Ombudsman Katrine Sporle says agents must be upfront and very clear about local authority incentives
Hot topics: Property Ombudsman advises on how agents should advertise price on Help to Buy properties
Help to Buy ‘discounts’ – a reminder to agents of Primary Authority Advice
Question: Should agents say Sale Agreed, Under Offer, or Sold Subject to Contract?
Answer (from the Ombudsman): It doesn’t matter – all three mean the same thing
The Property Ombudsman speaks out about approach to dual fee situations
Following controversial ruling where court decided very differently, Ombudsman says agents should provide documentary evidence to prove ‘effective’ introduction
Ombudsman expresses surprise that ‘ready, willing, able’ is still part of any agent’s contract
Consumers must be fully aware of precise circumstances in which they will be liable to pay commission fee
Dealing with an unhappy consumer: Should agents offer a financial settlement?
If a consumer accepts money but not in full and final settlement, they can still escalate the dispute to courts or TPO
Agents’ duty of disclosure – What to do when you are asked to ‘hide’ a repossession
How two agents lost an instruction because they were not prepared to breach the law: The Property Ombudsman gives her view
Agents must display their fees properly ahead of ban, Ombudsman urges
TPO pledges to continue working to ensure that member agents comply with law on displaying fees