The Real Estate Ombudsman (TPO) has expelled an auctioneer and two agents for failing to pay penalties.
BP Auctions, David Key Property Limited and Leonard D Morgan & Co were all referred to the TPO's Compliance Committee, which ruled that they should be excluded from the scheme. 
marketing failure
Birmingham-based auction house BP Auctions has been embroiled in a dispute over two apartments that were not advertised in line with consumer protection regulations.
The TPO has ruled that BP Auctions must pay £8,000 for its marketing failures. The company has two other unpaid awards resulting from successful appeals.
subtenant
David Key Properties, based in Haringey, north London, took over a property portfolio that included guaranteed rent contracts but failed to remove sub-tenants.
The agent also ceased any involvement with the property, including paying rent to the landlord, and was paid a £4,000 reward.
rent dispute
In a dispute involving Newport, Wales-based Leonard D. Morgan & Co., the landlord alleged that the broker regularly failed to remit the rent it received from tenants.
Despite stating that all outstanding rent had been paid to the landlord, the agent provided no evidence. Companies House records show the company has been dissolved, but the website still exists.
The TPO upheld the claim and awarded the landlord £1,000 in compensation, which was never paid.
Expulsion is a last resort because we want to work with businesses. ”
Property Ombudsman Rebecca Marsh (main photo) said:
“We take every step to ensure a settlement is reached and thankfully 99% of complaints are upheld and disputes are resolved with compensation paid to consumers where appropriate. .”
To date in 2024, only three companies have been excluded by TPO, compared to 13 last year.
