An agent has been expelled by The Property Ombudsman after failing to say that a third bedroom in a flat had already been let.

The flat had been advertised as having two bedrooms.

Wincon, in London, had also failed to say that VAT was payable on top of the admin fee, and to protect the tenant’s deposit within 30 days. TPO said the firm had also failed to communicate appropriately or with timely responses.

Separately, a firm in Hove has also been expelled by TPO, after the ombudsman supported a complaint relating to non-payment of rent that Wilkins Residential managed.

In Birmingham, Seekers has had its expulsion extended from two to three years after a further complaint was brought.

Last November, Seekers was expelled for failing to pay awards totalling £4,127 following complaints by two landlords, which included failures to protect deposits.

A further case has raised similar concerns, says TPO’s website.

TPO is now warning that the firm is not registered with a redress scheme, as is required by law, but is still appearing to trade.

TPO says it has informed Trading Standards.