THE Government�s consumer watchdog has launched an investigation into property factors, thanks to an Evening Times campaign.
THE Government's consumer watchdog has launched an investigation into property factors, thanks to an Evening Times campaign.
The Office of Fair Trading's study will investigate whether the property management industry gives homeowners a fair deal - and demand action if they agree with the paper's finding that they don't.
Earlier this year the Evening Times was inundated with complaints about factors following our high-profile campaign to win more rights for Glasgow's homeowners.
We received hundreds of calls, letters and e-mails, all telling shockingly similar stories - most residents have no say in who their factor is and many feel ripped off.
We highlighted shoddy and shameful practices, from excessive charges and expensive repairs to poor workmanship, unexplained bills and even court action.
We found factors charging £44 to change a lightbulb, £864 a year to cut a small patch of grass and £80 to replace a screw.
And we told how one court action by a factor against an owner could have resulted in a 83-year-old woman losing her home.
We also asked factors to sign up to the Evening Times charter, a comprehensive document demanding fairer treatment for homeowners.
News of the OFT inquiry also follows a study by the Scottish Consumer Council, which found more than 60% of owners in Dennistoun had lodged complaints about private sector factors.
Around 100,000 homes in Glasgow have factors and the OFT will investigate the following areas:
- How much choice and information is available to homeowners.
- How factors are selected.
- The quality and costs of services.
- How homeowners can manage services.
- Whether homeowners have access to redress when things go wrong.
The OFT's findings will be published this year.
Heather Clayton, of the OFT said: "The campaign run by the Evening Times showed the level of consumer engagement with this issue - people care very much about the management of their homes."
Mike Dailly, the housing lawyer of Govan Law Centre, said: "This investigation is fantastic news, but if it was not for the Evening Times the OFT would not be taking this step."
Glasgow MSP Patricia Ferguson is drafting a Bill, supported by the Evening Times, that will lay down factors' obligations in law.
She said: ""The OFT investigation will build on the excellent Evening Times campaign and will inform the draft legislation I will bring to the Parliament."
Douglas Sinclair, chairman of the Scottish Consumer Council, said: "We have expressed concerns about the current system of property factoring and welcome the OFT's announcement."
Jamie Miller, spokesman for the Property Managers' Association, which represents factors, said they supported regulation and would co-operate fully with the OFT investigation.
Homeowners who would like to contribute to the OFT study should write to: Scottish Property Manage-ment Services, Office of Fair Trading, Fleetbank House, 2-6 Salisbury Square, London, EC4Y 8JX.
For more info see the website: www.oft.gov.uk
FACTORS TIMELINE
August 2007The Scottish Consumer Council calls for a shake-up of factoring services as its study reveals more than 60% of Dennistoun homeowners had complained about their factor. 98% of those said they were "dissatisfied" with the response they got.
October 2007
Maryhill MSP Patricia Ferguson states her intention to change the law on factors and launches a public consultation, which gets a huge response.
February 5 2008
The Evening Times launches a high profile two-week-long campaign demanding a better deal from Glasgow's factors.
We highlight dozens of readers' problems, as well as claims of shoddy, unprofessional service and even possible eviction.
Glasgow lawyer Mike Dailly says factors have a "licence to print money".
Our campaign receives cross-party support.
February 8 2008
We print our Evening Times Charter, demanding more rights for owners.
February 28 2008
Patricia Ferguson's public consultation closes.
June 2008
The OFT launch a probe - thanks to our campaign.
