A consultation seeking views on improving redress in the housing sector has been launched by the Government.
In an announcement delivered yesterday (18/2/18), Housing Secretary Sajid Javid stated that owners and tenants dissatisfied with their experience should have a simpler system of redress.
Set to run for eight weeks, the consultation covers a range of issues including:
- The existing complaints of redress system and how it could be improved
- How gaps between current services could be filled
- Whether a single ombudsman service should be introduced and what form this should take
Commenting on the launch of the consultation, Sajid Javid highlighted the wider purpose of the document, as well as how it reflects the government’s aim to clarify the current system.
“For too long, tenants and homeowners have navigated multiple complaints procedures to resolve disputes about everyday household repairs and maintenance.
“Fixing this housing crisis is about more than just building homes, it’s ensuring people have the answers available when something goes wrong.
“Today’s top-to-bottom review shows the government is working hard to deliver a better and simpler system.”
As well as pointing out the problems with the current system, he also highlighted the complete lack of clear redress pathway for consumers in some areas of the market, stating: “In the private rented sector, there is currently no obligation for landlords to register with a complaints system and this can often leave thousands who do not use a property agent without any option for redress” he says.
“House builders are responsible for fixing incomplete work in new build homes but when this does not happen many consumers with snagging issues can find that they have nowhere left to turn.
“This is just one of the steps the government is taking to solve the country’s housing crisis and improve the rental sector which 8.6 million households are part of.”
The consultation is open until the 16 April 2018 and can be accessed here.
Following its closure, the Ministry will analyse the responses and provide further information on proposals for redress in the property sector.
