The Property Ombudsman issues revised Codes of Practice.

October 1, 2015

The Property Ombudsman (TPO) scheme has today (1st October) issued amended and updated versions of all its Codes of Practice for UK and Scotland in order to support the introduction of new legislation that has come into force within the last 12 months.

Christopher Hamer, the Property Ombudsman, says: “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 start today (1st October) have also been integrated into the new set of Codes, providing comprehensive guidance to our member agents on the new regime.”

The Ombudsman will apply the new Codes of Practice when reviewing consumer complaints about events that have occurred after 1st October to determine whether or not a TPO registered member has breached the high level of standards required.

Mr 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.”

The review process involved trade associations, representatives from large and smaller 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.

Please visit www.tpos.co.uk/members/codes-guidance for all TPO Codes of Practice.

Christopher Walkey

Founder of Estate Agent Networking. Internationally invited speaker on how to build online target audiences using Social Media. Writes about UK property prices, housing, politics and affordable homes.

You May Also Enjoy

Home and Living

Restoring the Past: How to Expertly Repair Wooden Windows with PM Windows Ltd

Why Wooden Windows Deserve a Second Life Wooden windows are a hallmark of classic British architecture, offering timeless beauty, warmth, and craftsmanship rarely matched by modern alternatives. Whether adorning a Georgian townhouse or a Victorian terrace, their charm lies in both their aesthetics and their heritage value. However, timber windows are not immune to the…
Read More →
Breaking News

Slight rise in house prices as market maintains strength

Halifax House Price Index • House prices increased by +0.3% in April vs -0.5% in March • Average property price now £297,781 compared to £296,899 in previous month • Annual rate of growth at +3.2% up from +2.9% in March • House prices remarkably stable over last six months, down by just £48 • Northern…
Read More →
bank of england interest rate
Breaking News

Industry Reacts to Bank Rate Cut

Nathan Emerson, CEO of Propertymark: “Today’s news will no doubt be extremely welcome for many, especially given current economic uncertainties. International bodies have recently stated they expect interest rates to fall in the UK as the year progresses. Overall, we hope to see interest rates further continue their downward trajectory over the course of 2025. …
Read More →
Rightmove logo
Breaking News

Rightmove reaction to Bank Rate cut

Matt Smith, Rightmove’s mortgage expert says: “The much-anticipated second rate cut of the year has arrived, and with some lenders having taken their time to pass on the benefits of the expected Bank Rate cut, I think we may now see further reductions in the coming days and weeks. A fresh round of mortgage rate…
Read More →
Breaking News

Zoopla crowns Glenrothes the most popular affordable town for families as one in three fear being priced out of their ideal area

New Zoopla research pinpoints Glenrothes in Scotland, with an average three-bedroom home value of £136,900, as the most attractive option for families seeking affordability All of the towns in the top ten are located in Scotland and Wales, apart from Dartford and Swanley in the South East Three-bed homes in the most popular affordable towns…
Read More →
Breaking News

UK government admits almost no evidence nature protections block development

Environmental lawyer says it’s deeply frustrating that the Government is pushing major changes to conservation law without supporting data or research Whitehall analysis provides no data or research to support the government argument that environmental legislation holds up building. Ministers say the new bill will speed up housing developments and large infrastructure projects by allowing…
Read More →