Tenants who are receiving poor service from their managing or letting agents will be able to seek compensation via a property redress scheme.
Letting and managing agents have until October 1 2014 to register with one of three schemes run by:
- The Property Ombudsman
- Ombudsman Services Property
- The Property Redress Scheme.
Failure to register by Wednesday’s deadline is punishable by a fine of up to £5,000.
The new legislation has been introduced to help tenants get better service from their agents – something which we at Coles Miller welcome.
Our specialist residential leasehold solicitors already help tenants wishing to take over the running of day-to-day services under Right To Manage legislation. Read more about it here.
You do not necessarily have to prove that the landlord-appointed managing agents have provided a disappointing service – although, in our experience, this is often the trigger for Right To Manage enquiries.
By their very nature, managing agents take their instructions from the freeholder who may be based in another part of the country.
This distance may lead to a communication disconnect – with the landlord imposing decisions on the block, such as instructing electricians and gardeners without consulting the leaseholders.
These tradespeople may be local to the landlord – but not to the tenants. So the leaseholders are faced with higher bills despite the fact that contractors based around the corner could have done the work just as well and at a lower cost.
Are you unhappy with your agents? Do you want greater control over managing your own leasehold property? Want to reduce costs?
Contact Associate Solicitor Nick Leedham, for more information, 01202 355697.
