Surprise move: removal firms to join The Property Ombudsman redress

In a surprise move, The Property Ombudsman is to allow all 420 registered firms in the British Association of Removers to become TPO members.

This means that TPO can resolve disputes involving BAR-registered firms as well as its existing dispute resolution service revolving around estate agencies.

The move comes just weeks after BAR made known its concern about the extension of the CHAPS money-transfer system this summer, which it claims may oblige estate agents to open for longer hours for key-exchanges. The BAR has also expressed concern that the CHAPS move will mean later access to properties for buyers on completion days - and delays for removal companies, too.

BAR is the largest trade association for removal companies in the UK.  Although there is currently no legislation in place which forces removers and storers to be registered to an independent redress scheme, TPO has been working with BAR on individual projects since 2014.

“This is a game-changer for the removals sector where BAR members can display their TPO logo proudly on their websites and printed literature to give consumers complete peace of mind” says Gerry Fitzjohn, TPO board chairman. 

“Having BAR members registered with TPO also enables sales and letting agents to help consumers that ask for a recommended removals and storage firm as there are now hundreds of fellow TPO members they can refer consumers to with confidence.”