THE PROPERTY OMBUDSMAN

Over these past 3-4 years I have had to use TPOS twice, with complaints against a Property Management Company and later a Lettings Agent. Both occasions the Ombudsman review and investigation found in my favor. But however their award for compensation was paltry. Only a few hundred pounds, which I refused. Twice I declined their offer, took legal advice and won both counts, I was able to get \'out of court\'; settlements for £2600 and £1850 using a solicitor.

I am now having to take further legal action against Purplebricks, this followed another complaint to TPOS, which was regarding the agent giving unauthorised consent to my tenants to terminate their tenancy, half-way through. Despite my rejection of their request 3 times!! Our contract was for a \'fixed term\' with no break clause, thanks to PBs my tenants left six months early.

TPOS offered me a derisory sum as compensation, although I lost over £4000 in rental income. The Ombudsman said that I could still pursue the former tenants via the courts for breach of contract. As the AST was between ourselves, not Purplebricks.

This I did via Small Claims MCOL, my claim was dismissed by the judge, owing to Purplebricks giving the tenant consent. This was seen as on my behalf.

So the Ombudsman were wrong, they have no idea. Their investigations take 6 months or more, they are far from fair, thorough or unbiased. Let\'s not forget who pays their salaries! The very parties they are investigating, through membership fees. It is a total sham, a window dressing exercise to fool the Public.

We urgently need a truly INDEPENDENT arbitration scheme. This lot are not fit for the purpose. What\'s next a Police forced financed by the Mexican drug cartels