Ombudsman Abandons 'Broken' Housing Market

One of several organisations that resolves disputes in the property market has announced it is going to withdraw from the sector. Ombudsman Services said it would no longer offer "a broken solution to a broken market". It is one of at least four services that offers redress in arguments between property agents - including estate agents - and individuals. It said it would complete its withdrawal by 6 August 2018. Other services operating in the housing market include The Property Ombudsman, The Property Redress Scheme and the Housing Ombudsman. Read more on the BBC website.

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/business-42949800

Redress Scheme Sees Letting Agent Complaints Rise

The Property Redress Scheme (PRS) has led to an increase in the number of consumer complaints being made against lettings, property management and estate agents. The PRS is one of three consumer redress schemes. By law, all agents, as defined by legislation, must be a member of one of the three schemes. The number of complaints raised with the PRS is increasing month on month. Of the complaints raised so far, 44% were by landlords and 41% were by tenants, with the remaining 15% being raised by buyers and sellers of property. Read more on 24dash.

Housing Minister Pledges Protection from Unscrupulous Landlords

Millions of tenants and leaseholders will receive stronger protection from unscrupulous letting agents, Housing Minister Kris Hopkins has said. The minister has revealed three approved ‘redress schemes’ that all letting and property management agents will be required to join later this year – which the government says will give tenants and leaseholders a "straightforward option to hold their agents to account". The three schemes – The Property Ombudsman, Ombudsman Services Property and The Property Redress Scheme – will offer independent investigation of complaints about hidden fees or poor service. Where a complaint is upheld, tenants and leaseholders could receive compensation. Read more on GovUK.