A tenant living in her home for three years has allegedly been told that a ‘Let & Managed By’ board could be erected in her garden.
The board would not be put up in the name of the agent that originally let her the property – but by the agent, a Connells brand, that has since acquired that original firm.
However, Connells says that the tenant should contact them, and that she is free to opt out.
The matter came to light when the woman tenant went to a third agent – who has asked not to be named – to ask for its advice. She had originally rented her current home through Roberts & Co, an agent in Newport, south Wales.
Late last year, Connells brand Peter Alan bought Roberts & Co.
Peter Alan has now told some of Roberts & Co’s tenants that it wants to erect Peter Alan boards in their gardens.
The third agent that the woman tenant is said to have contacted said: “She called into our branch asking for advice before she contacted the council.
“This certainly isn’t allowing tenants peaceful enjoyment of their properties and is surely false advertising.
“We are contacting local Trading Standards regarding this.”
Trading Standards has initially advised that all boards must be removed within 14 days of a grant of sale or tenancy.
A spokesperson for Peter Alan told EYE: “We are sorry for any concern this may have caused and disappointed that this customer has chosen not to talk to us directly about it.
“We had hoped our letter to specific customers, following our successful acquisition of the Roberts & Co Property Management business, was clear in its intention and provided details of our board campaign prior to placing ‘Let & Managed By’ (not ‘To Let’) boards on certain properties for a very limited period only.
“We also made sure we provided contact details should customers have any queries or want to opt out, and we ask that this particular customer get in touch with us directly.
“It must also be noted that we have not received any direct complaints regarding this activity, nor have any boards [yet] been put up.
“Eleven of our customers have opted out and we are more than happy to honour their decision.”
Well it’s a breach of the town and country planning act control of advertisements 1992 so it shouldn’t be happening anyway!!!!!
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
My dear Votta583 did you not notice the words ‘let and managed by’ as opposed to ‘to let’ thereby they do not believe any such a breach would occur. I know of similar tactics employed by other agents although I would have hoped a brand such as Connells wouldn’t stoop so low but have you looked in one of their branches lately, looks like all the staff are out erecting boards?!
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
I believe it is the size of the board and not the wording that is relevant for planning. Any agent abusing a concession granted by planning is showing themselves to be unprofessional. If the board is to stay in place beyond the permitted time(and I believe Votta583 is correct) then planning consent is required as it would be deemed to be an advertisement. Any agent abusing the planning system purely encourages a change in the law to ban boards completely and harm the good agents who comply. It is simply wrong to try and be “clever” and rely on wording (which I think is irrelevant anyway) as such selfish acts tend to be short term and demonstrates the ignorance or just how unprofessional such agents are. It is abuse that causes the introduction of regulation. A professional agent would remove the advertising board on time and the tenant has been kind in approaching the agent first. Planning can and when called upon do enforce planning regulations. Breaking planning regulations is UNPROFESSIONAL.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Ban all boards. Everywhere.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
I’m surprised that these ‘professionals’ seem blissfully unaware that erecting a sign on some’s property without their agreement is trespass.
It is not for tenants to opt out but for the agent to seek express consent.
All the affected tenants are entitled to seek compensation on the ground of trespass.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
They ae not professional they are cowboy agents in my opinion. (I guess my comment will be disliked but hey ho!)
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Would be nice if some agents showed even a modicum of respect for tenants. It may not be their house but it is their home.
Especially in today’s housing climate with some eye watering rents easily surpassing the agents annual salary and still they are treated like second class citizens.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
It’s an advert. These boards are becoming a blight and are not necessary.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Personally, despite years in the industry, I rarely even notice boards anymore as they have become so common place and ineffective. I also question how many Landlords/potential tenants visit their target area to look at agents presence in boards; it’s so outdated in today’s digital age.
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
We always ask why we are asked out on valuations an around 80% of people say – “we saw so many of your boards so we rang you”.
It’s not outdated in any way. All proper estate agents know this and notice the HELL out of ALL boards as they drive around. If they don’t they aren’t tuned in to thier profession. #pacepalm
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Well I stand corrected; good job I am not in sales these days!
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
This is a genuine affliction, I have an involuntary nervous twitch to check the house out everytime I drive past a board even when miles from home, including abroad, then you check out the cars on the drive and the standard of upkeep including a quick glance at the neighbouring properties, cant help it probably no cure
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register
Yep it’s in ya blood! ;0)
You must be logged in to like or dislike this comments.
Click to login
Don't have an account? Click here to register