IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT: Ombudsman Services: Property – New membership rates exclusively for NALS firms

It is one of NALS strict criteria that all  its licensed firms must be part of an ombudsman scheme offering consumers access to independent redress.

In all other areas of consumer transactions and business there is access to ombudsmen -  whether it’s Financial Services, Health or Banking. The rental experience should be no different and that’s why NALS makes it a mandatory requirement of our licence to be part of an independent redress scheme to underline that we as an organization and our agents are totally committed to customer service.

There are two schemes which operate in the sector; the Property Ombudsman (TPO) and Ombudsman Services: Property.  NALS firms who are part of TPO will be familiar with their terms.

Ombudsman Services: Property has announced, with immediate effect, an exclusive offer for NALS firms. The pricing structure outlined below gives firms two options to consider.

With Option 1 there is a low annual fee but you will “pay as you go” per complaint. The second option offers a higher annual fee but includes ombudsman adjudication.

Option 1

·         An annual fee of £15 (+VAT) for each office of a NALS registered firm. 

·         Thereafter, a case fee per complaint of £125 (+VAT), £200 (+VAT) or £260 (+VAT) depending on the complexity of the complaint (to be determined by the ombudsman).

·         The first complaint for an office in each registered year will only be charged at £125 (+VAT) irrespective of complexity. 

·         OS:P will invoice individual offices to collect case fees. 

Option 2

·         An annual fee for each office of NALS registered firms of £120 (+VAT).

·         No further charges for each complaint dealt with by the Ombudsman.

If the firm also deals with residential sales the fees above cover both lettings and sales. The full announcement from Ombudsman Services: Property can be read >>> here.

We are delighted that Ombudsman Services: Property has come to NALS with this offer for our licensed firms which will reduce their overall compliance costs.

If you would like to discuss membership of Ombudsman Services: Property contact Sue Jackson (SJackson@ombudsman-serives.org  01925 430872) or John Thornbury (JThornbury@ombudsman-services.org  01925 431012)

For more information on becoming a NALS Licensed firm contact Sherie Taylor sherie.taylor@nalscheme.co.uk T:01242 581712