Exclusions from TPO emphasise the importance of regulation
Three property agents across the UK have been excluded from the TPO for failing to pay outstanding awards. This shows how it continues to be crucial to improve the quality and reputation of the profession by regulating the property sector.
To replace or repair? That is the question (regarding tenancy deposits)
Sandy Bastin, Head of Adjudication Services at Tenancy Deposit Scheme (TDS), a Propertymark Industry Supplier, discusses cleaning and damage to property and contents best practice given they continue to top the list of most common reasons for tenancy deposit disputes.
Landlord case makes legal history
A Wales-based landlord pleaded guilty to harassing a tenant, which is the first time a case of this nature has been brought to the Crown Court and received a six-month jail term suspended for two years.
First ever Wrongful Termination Order granted
A landlord has been penalised for evicting a tenant on wrongful grounds by the Housing & Property Chamber of the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (FTS) by awarding its first Wrongful Termination Order.
High Court rules in favour of agents over Business Interruption Insurance
Thousands of companies disputing their insurers' interpretations of liability under Business Interruption Insurance welcome the court ruling today, 15 September, where it found in favour of the arguments advanced for policyholders on the majority of issues brought by the Financial Complaints Authority (FCA) test case.
Enforcement action launched by CMA on leasehold homes
As part of its ongoing investigations the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has today, 4 September, opened enforcement cases having uncovered troubling evidence of potential mis-selling and unfair contract terms.
Court rules 'No DSS' letting bans unlawful
After a recent case where a mother of two had been refused rented accommodation because she received housing benefits, a judge has ruled that blanket bans are unlawful and discriminatory.
Competition watchdog plans action against mis-sold leasehold homes
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has announced it has found evidence of mis-selling of leasehold homes and it will launch enforcement action.
Cowboy landlord ordered to pay £90,000 fine
A buy-to-let landlord with properties across North London has been handed a fine for continuously ignoring selective licensing laws.
Housing Secretary pledges new funding to crackdown on criminal landlords
More than 100 councils across England have been awarded a share of over £4 million to crack down on criminal landlords and letting agents with a move to empower councils to stamp out exploitative landlords.
CMA gives details of cartel investigation and sanctions
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has published its decision on a cartel of Berkshire estate agents where they conspired, for seven years, to set minimum commission rates where they were the top agents.
Lettings boss hit with ban after failing to protect deposits
A lettings management director from Exeter has been disqualified for six years after failing to safeguard more than £68,000 worth of tenants’ deposits.
First of its kind case sees tenant awarded £18,000
A tenant in Glasgow is the first case of its kind to be awarded £18,000 in damages by the First-tier Tribunal from Scotland Housing and Property Chamber.
Lettings boss jailed and sanctioned after £230,000 fraud
The director of a Southampton lettings firm has been jailed after defrauding landlords and tenants out of more than £230,000.
Estate agents fined over half a million pounds for price fixing
Three Berkshire estate agents have been fined more than £600,000 for illegally fixing the minimum commission rates they charged their customers.
Professionals and public warned over rogue agencies
Three agencies have been expelled from The Property Ombudsman (TPO) for failing to deliver on payments that were instructed by them.
