THE CANCELLATION OF Contract Regulations (CCRs) came into force in October 2008, but there is still a lack of understanding of their implications. Trading Standards enforce the regulations and any offence carries a…

Early warning? When do you tell the tenant that the landlord is selling the property? Chris Hamer, the Property Ombudsman, advises.

In today’s market getting a good number of market appraisals is key to a successful estate and letting agency business. Agencies that do not generate enough market appraisals will eventually find themselves in trouble further down…

I have recently seen an increase in complaints by tenants alleging that the letting agent was aware of their landlord’s intention to sell the property but had neglected to make them aware of these intentions. Obviously,…

Changes to the rules on selling homes could mean that buyers have little protection when using online intermediaries.

Anyone living in a university city will be aware of the yearly transition of first year students from halls of residence to privately rented accommodation for the remainder of their studies. Not surprisingly, my office receives an increased…

Christopher Hamer, The Property Ombudsman, discusses the risks.

As The Property Ombudsman I see many complaints referred to me because the complainant feels, justifiably or not, that the agent has not understood or addressed their concerns in the manner they…