Following an announcement on 6th February by Ombudsman Services (OS:P) that it is to withdraw as a redress scheme from the property sector, The Property Ombudsman (TPO) would like to reassure its member agents that it remains open for business.
In addition, having already received a high volume of enquiries relating to the changes, TPO is working collaboratively with other leading industry bodies to provide guidance for those managing agents, estate agents and letting agents needing to transfer from OS:P to another redress scheme by 6th August 2018.
TPO is the largest of the three government-approved redress schemes, providing a free and impartial dispute resolution service to consumers and property agents for more than 27 years. It is a totally independent, not-for-profit organisation, the only redress scheme to operate Codes of Practice (adopted by Propertymark) to raise standards and share best practice in the industry, and now, the only remaining Ombudsman service in property.
TPO has the experience and capacity to receive new members into its scheme and to provide a seamless transition for any agents wishing to join.
RICS is currently reviewing redress options going forward on the provision of surveying activities in particular, as detailed in a statement issued by Jonathan Gorvin, Head of Regulatory Policy and Development for RICS.
