The Office of Fair Trading has launched a study in to the services provided by factors in Scotland.

Factors act for groups of residents who appoint them to maintain the common parts of a building or a development on behalf of all the residents.  They, factors, have faced sustained criticism recently for excessive charges and poor service. 

The study will look at how much choice is available to residents, how factors are appointed and the quality and costs of the services provided.  It was prompted by evidence from the Scottish Consumer Council (SCC), which highlighted some of the complaints made against factors by residents.

The study is expected to be completed by the end of this year and the OFT has the power to make recommendations on how the system can be improved.  It will be in touch with consumer organisations, factors, and the Scottish Government, but homeowners are free to submit their views.  If you want to contact the OFT on this issue, you can do so by writing to this address:

Scottish Property Management Services; Office of Fair Trading; Fleetbank House; 2-6 Salisbury Square; London EC4Y 8JX