Five UK property firms have been kicked out of The Property Ombudsman scheme after refusing to pay out compensation to disgruntled customers. Those affected include Devon Block Management Limited, Pro Investment Properties Ltd, RPS Estates (also known as Property Management Services Limited), Samuel Francis & Co, and We Sell Lets (registered as J. Anderson Ventures Limited). Each business was found to have breached its membership obligations by ignoring an Ombudsman award.
The firms' expulsion follows thorough reviews by the scheme's independent Finance, Performance & Compliance Committee. Chief Ombudsman Lesley Horton highlighted that this drastic measure is taken only after a rigorous compliance process and serves as a warning to other businesses to uphold professional standards. The affected companies were found to have failed to honour binding decisions on compensation awards ranging from £75 to £7,400.
Notable cases include Plymouth-based Devon Block Management Limited, which was ordered to pay £75 for inadequate communication regarding a property transaction. Redcar's Pro Investment Properties Ltd faced a £7,400 award after a buyer complained about an unsatisfactory property sourcing agreement and the repayment of a £7,200 finder’s fee. Hounslow's RPS Estates was directed to pay £1,871.25 for issues related to unpaid rent and communication failures.
Barry-based Samuel Francis & Co was ordered to pay £350 to tenants due to an ongoing mould problem and poor complaint management. Meanwhile, Stirling's We Sell Lets received a £150 award against it concerning misleading marketing information and poor expectation management in a property sourcing service.
The expulsion sends a clear message to the industry that ignoring binding decisions will have consequences. It also serves as a reminder for consumers to check if a property firm is registered with a redress scheme, which provides vital protection in case of disputes.