YourPlace helps social landlords prepare for new factoring legislation
Published by YourPlace Property Management on Wed 27 Jun 12 @ 15:57
One of Scotland's largest property managers is helping other social landlords prepare for new legislation which will bring extra protection to factored homeowners.
YourPlace, part of the GHA family, is hosting a free event in the GHA Academy on Friday, 29 June 2012, for Registered Social Landlords and Local Authorities who are also factors.
The event will look at what factors can do to get ready for the Property Factors (Scotland) Act which comes into force in October and is designed to drive up standards within the property management industry.
The act makes it an offence for a property factor to operate without being registered and introduces a code of conduct all registered factors must abide by. It will also introduce a Homeowner Housing Panel, meaning homeowners have an independent body to complain to if they feel their factor has failed to comply with the code of conduct or otherwise failed to carry out their duties.
The event, titled "The Property Factors Scotland Act - helping you prepare" will give attendees a clear insight into the requirements of this important legislation and offer them advice on how to prepare.
The event will be opened by Patricia Ferguson MSP, who was the driving force behind the legislation. Speakers include YourPlace's Managing Director Jennifer Russell, as well as representatives from the Scottish Government, Glasgow City Council and GHA Legal.
YourPlace's Managing Director Jennifer Russell said: "YourPlace has been involved in shaping the code of conduct and is keen to support other registered social landlords prepare for the important new act. We welcome the new legislation and hope it will drive up standards within the factoring industry."
Patricia Ferguson MSP, said ''I am pleased that YourPlace has organised this event. It is very important that social landlords know about the responsibilities that the new legislation places upon them and that they are taking action now to ensure that they can comply with the provisions of the Act when it comes into force. I hope that the Act will help to raise standards in the property management industry and I am delighted that YourPlace is taking a lead in doing so''.
Patrick Flynn, Glasgow City Council's Head of Housing Services said: "The Leader of the Council, Councillor Gordon Matheson has established a factoring commission to examine existing good practice amongst factors. The Commission will see what lessons can be learned, consider the implementation of the new Act, and look to develop workable solutions that will empower residents and encourage property management services that are fair, efficient and good value. The Commission will consult on its recommendations early in 2013".
YourPlace was part of a Scottish Government working group which looked at the previously proposed accreditation scheme and helped shape the standards that have formed the basis of the legislation.
