If you’ve been overcharged for a loft conversion or service charges, tell Sajid Javid!
The Minister for Housing is keen on consultations. Last year he held one on leasehold and the Law Commission is tasked with coming up with reforms by summer. Now he’s launched one on the problems residents and tenants have in getting heard and getting their problems fixed.
Strengthening consumer redress in the housing market seeks views on improving redress in the housing sector. Sajid Javid said the consultation “will use people’s experiences to shape a simpler and better complaints system, so future disputes can be resolved faster and consumers can access compensation where it is owed.”
One option being considered is a single housing ombudsman to prevent complaints falling through a confusing web of redress organisations.
It’s wide ranging and covers not only leasehold, but buying property (especially new-build) and private tenants. This is long overdue given that managing agents are not regulated, and the cost of a tribunal is not only prohibitive but often ineffective. It’s open until April 16th.