The Property Ombudsman has said it is to permit members of another redress scheme to join free of charge.
As the largest government approved redress scheme still in operation, TPO has set out its intentions to streamline the redress process for consumers, as well as raise standards in the industry.
Following the withdrawal of Ombudsman Services: Property from the sector in February, TPO has said that as long as agents transfer to them before the 6 August 2018, it will waive the joining fees for those currently with OS:P.
Commenting on the plans was Gerry Fitzjohn. The board chairman of The Property Ombudsman stated: “We are a totally independent, not-for-profit organisation and the only redress scheme to operate codes of practice which have been approved by the Chartered Trading Standards Institute.
“As a result, we are always seeking to raise standards and share best practice in the industry as well as make the process of redress as simple as possible for consumers.
“As the only remaining Ombudsman in property we want to reassure our existing members that we remain open for business, and help new members needing to transition from another scheme, to do so as efficiently as possible.”
The move comes in the wake of a government consultation on redress in the property sector earlier this year. As well as requiring builders to join an ombudsman scheme and clamping down on poor practice, this proposed the introduction of a single ombudsman to cover the entire housing market.
