The Property Ombudsman (TPO) has named the latest clutch of estate agencies to be expelled from its scheme after they failed to pay agreed awards following complaints about their service.

These five estate agencies, which are based in towns and cities all over the UK, were referred to TPO’s Compliance Committee, and which has now expelled them, taking the tally to nine so far this year.

The companies, all of which cannot now trade legally without being a member of a redress scheme, include three sales and two lettings agencies. However several appear to be still trading while others have gone into voluntary liquidation or have closed up shop.

The agents named by TPO are Prime Property Agents on Clarendon Street in Nottingham which failed to return a £7,200 reservation fee after a deal fell through.

And Cowlings Estate Agents in Bideford, Devon  did not pay an award of £1,087 to a vendor client after the firm “did not obtain proof of funds” for the sale, which led them to withdraw.

Nexmove on Den Road in Teighnmouth, Devon (NXMVETGN Ltd) has been expelled for not paying a £400 award after it “failed to disclose the source and availability of a buyer’s funds until after the sale fell through” while The Jolly Landlord in Bulphan, Essex did not pay £350 in compensation to after it was involved in a dispute after it did not transfer a tenant’s deposit and first months’ rent to the landlord.

And Lilypad Estates on Honor Oak Park in Forest Hill, London did not transfer eight months of rental payments to a landlord and stopped all communication.

“After all aspects of the dispute were upheld, the agent was directed to pay a £200 award, plus the outstanding rent,” says TPO.

Expulsion

Interim Ombudsman Lesley Horton (main image) adds: “Expulsion is a last resort and that’s evident in the low numbers. We always strive to be very clear and explain the evidence that has led to our decisions and any award we make, both to businesses and to consumers.

“This approach works well, with 99% of businesses complying with our decisions and paying awards when directed.

“We also highlight where agents can improve their service and proactively carry out audits to check that they are following best practice and regulations.”