The Property Ombudsman (TPO) has amended and updated all of its codes of practice.
The new versions include new legislation that has been enforced within the last year.
The ombudsman, Christopher Hamer, explains: “The decision was taken to carry out a full review of the codes to reflect continuing market developments and the obligations now placed on agents by various pieces of legislation that have been enacted, such as the Consumer Rights Act.
“Changes under the Deregulation Act, which started yesterday, have also been integrated into the new set of codes, providing comprehensive guidance to our member agents on the new regime.”
TPO will apply the new codes when it reviews consumer complaints about cases that have occurred after 1st October.
Hamer continues: “The first code of practice was enforced in 1990, albeit in a rather shorter form than today.
“During that 25-year period, the property industry has developed tremendously and continues to change today making it necessary to release new versions to ensure agents fully understand their responsibilities.
“As the market changes, we continue to provide as much up to date information as possible through our guidance documents and website to support both members and consumers.”1
The codes were reviewed by trade associations, representatives from large and small agents in both sales and lettings and a representative from TPO’s independent council.
All TPO codes of practice have been revised, including: Residential Estate Agents, Residential Letting Agents, Residential Estate Agents (Scotland), Residential Letting Agents (Scotland), Buying Agents, Property Buying Companies, Commercial and Membership Obligations.
Take a look: https://www.tpos.co.uk/members/codes-guidance