One hundred complaints.

Since October last year it was  mandatory that Property Agents  be joined up to a consumer redress scheme, essentially  a scheme authorised by the Department for Communities and Local Government (DCLG) and National Trading Standards, a  role in which the scheme  would provide fair and reasonable resolutions to disputes between members of the public and property agents.

The Property Redress Scheme (PRS) one of three consumer redress schemes has now processed its 100th Complaint – six months since it became mandatory that all Letting Agents and Property Management Agents join a consumer redress scheme .

PRS points out that two areas that Agents should be consciously aware of is  – Documentation and Communication.

Clear and unambiguous documents, in particular those that relate to terms and conditions, charges and management agreements, are essential to ensure that the customer is fully protected. This also protects the Agent, defines the business relationship and manages customer expectations.

Communication is also essential and Agents should ensure that they do everything to keep the channels open even when the relationship is breaking down.  Not doing so inevitably leads to the situation deteriorating and by the time of scheme involvement, the consequences have moved far beyond the initial dissatisfaction.

Sean Hooker, Head of Redress for the PRS states on their website “It is still, in my view, the duty of the industry is to help police this legislation. There are a number of Agents out there who either through ignorance or wilful defiance have not signed up to a scheme. We are therefore working with local authorities to ensure the law is enforced as vigorously as possible and consumers remain protected.”

 

 

Allen Walkey

Highly experienced businessman with a successful career in property sales and investment both in the UK and abroad. Now a freelance writer and blogger for the property and Investment Industry, keeping readers up-to-date with changes and events in a rapidly changing world.

You May Also Enjoy

bank of england interest rate
Breaking News

Money and Credit – October 2025

Key points: Net borrowing of mortgage debt by individuals fell back to £4.3 billion in October, after a rise to £5.2 billion in September. In October, net mortgage approvals for house purchase decreased by 600 to 65,000, while approvals for remortgaging fell by 3,600 to 33,100, the lowest since February 2025 (32,900). Net borrowing of…
Read More
Breaking News

Federation of Master Builders Hosts Reform Deputy Leader on Build Up from the Basement Podcast

The Federation of Master Builders’ (FMB) Build Up from the Basement podcast has hosted Richard Tice MP, Deputy Leader of Reform UK to discuss Reform UK’s plans for the construction sector, if it was to get into power. Mr Tice outlined his vision for helping the industry while tackling the £14.3 billion lost to rogue…
Read More
Estate Agent Talk

Enhancing Project Presentation with 3D Rendering Services

Imagine pitching a luxury hotel to investors using only blueprints and mood boards. They nod politely, squint at technical drawings, and promise to “think about it.” Now picture showing them a photorealistic walkthrough where sunlight streams through the lobby’s glass atrium, shadows dance across Italian marble floors, and they can virtually stand on the rooftop…
Read More
Breaking News

House prices fall for the first time in 18 months across southern England

House prices fall for the first time in 18 months across southern England, but threat of new property tax removed from 210,000 homes   House prices in London and the South recorded their first fall in 18 months, driven by budget uncertainty and more homes for sale, boosting choice for home buyers. UK-wide buyer demand…
Read More
Love or Hate Rightmove
Breaking News

Rightmove trialling new Renovation Cost Estimator

Rightmove, the UK’s largest property platform, is trialling a new renovation tool with home-movers, designed to help buyers understand the potential renovation costs of a property. The new ‘Renovation Cost Estimator’ tool encourages home-movers to spend more time considering the renovation potential of homes listed on Rightmove. It aims to provide agents with more high-intent…
Read More
Breaking News

Strong rental supply continues amid seasonal slowdown in demand

Rental supply remained resilient in October, continuing the strong trend seen throughout 2025. Overall, year-to-date figures show new listings up 10% compared with last year, highlighting a sustained improvement in market supply. Average rents edged down by 3% in October 2025 compared with September 2025, settling at £575 per week. This slight dip aligns with…
Read More