The Property Ombudsman (TPO) and property chamber Judges from the First-Tier Tribunal have collaborated on new consumer guidance aimed at helping leaseholders navigate the complex landscape for redress, after a sharp rise in block and estate management disputes. TPO received 6,649 enquiries about residential leasehold in 2024, however, most cases had to be redirected to a court or tribunal.

The pilot, which enabled tenants and landlords to access a free independent mediation service during the landlord possession process, sees a mere 22 referrals out of an estimated 3,000 potential cases between February to October 2021.

Barratt, Taylor Wimpey, Redrow and Bellway are among 100 firms signed up to a new Code of Practice, following the launch of a new Ombudsman Service. The Code has been developed in response to growing pressure surrounding complaints from owners of new build housing that issues fail to be resolved effectively.

The Ministry of Justice has published the responses to a call for evidence on dispute resolution in England and Wales that will feed into the UK Government’s developing work on how to utilise the processes to deliver swifter, more cost-effective and consensual access to justice.

The Economic and International Affairs Scrutiny Panel of the States of Jersey Assembly (the parliament of Jersey) has published a report recommending the introduction of regulation of estate agents.

As per the strict processes put in place by The Property Ombudsman (TPO), the agents were referred to the TPO’s independent Compliance Committee, which ruled they should be expelled with most failing to pay compensatory rewards.

Agents have a responsibility to provide clear, accurate information to buyers of new-build homes under the Consumer Code for Home Builders, which was developed by homebuilders, construction industry bodies, and Government, to provide new homeowners with confidence when choosing a property.

As part of our company obligations our Principal, Partner and Director members must follow The Property Ombudsman (TPO) Codes of Practice. TPO have worked closely with the Chartered Trading Standards Institute (CTSI) to obtain approval of their Codes of Practice.