Estate agent doesn't remove 'Sold' sign

rjhempel

Sadly I wrote too soon.

Trading standards say they can't do anything about it as it not about letting or selling.
Planning and enforcement say they can look into it, though they so busy it might take weeks and there shouldn't be damage, but it would be a civil matter.

Lo and behold, the estate agent lied, never removed the board. So just so anyone knows, here is time to name and shame

Mischa and co in edgware, you are responsible for causing damage to my property and your staff including your branch manager Sam, don't follow up your words. You have lied twice that the board will be removed and so far nothing is forthcoming from you as to when it really will be removed.

And estate agents wonder why they are considered scum, when they can't keep to their word

pinksleepybear

I have found that the EA signs are perfect for cutting down to use as posts for raised beds at my allotment - even better if they still have the metal spike.

The plastic part of the sign make good poo boards in the chicken house too (strong, but light and very smooth).

I don't nick them though, unless they're in a skip or obviously discarded.

Martha42

My local authority is really hot on this. My estate agents didn't show any signs of taking their sign down so after a month, i emailed them saying I was happy for it to be up for the 14 days allowed but now wanted it down, giving them 2 days to do so. They took it down pretty smartish.

If it's been up since October I would take it down and bin it. You have asked them enough times.

My Local authority came around our streets the other day and took down all the "Let by" signs that had been creeping back again. They dumped them at the end of each road, giving the EAs a day to get them before disposing of them.

princeofpounds

Sadly I wrote too soon.

Not really. Planning did give you a response, just not on the timescale you want. Seems unfortunate as this worked for me, and also for this person:

http://www.se23.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=1034

and also as noted by the council here:

http://www.basingstoke.gov.uk/planning/dc/enforcement/EAB.htm

and a number of other council websites.

Did you complain properly in writing to planning enforcement? You can also involve your local councillor if you think they are trying to fob you off.

It's also unclear to me whether you are complaining about the board or the damage. Previously it seemed to be about the board, but now it seems to be more about the damage.


Here is what I would do now (one or all of the below)

- Follow up again with planning enforcement in writing, copy to local councillor.
- Quantify the damage to your property and write a letter before action threatening a small claims court action for the repair bill. If the sign was in place prior to it becoming your property however you bought it with the damage and this course of action is not available to you.
- Take the sign and visit the estate agent's office. Do this on a busy weekend, walk in, tell them they should remove their signs and dump it on their office floor. (with a witness preferably to vouch for safe return!).

rjhempel

thanks princeofpounds.

I am not worried about the timescale re the council, just their less than lacklustre response. I know things take time, but they are to look into it.

I am concerned both about the board and the damage. I am frustrated as the board caused damage to my property, which it shouldn't have done and if they had removed it after the 14 days as they should have done, maybe the damage wouldn't be so much.

I know for the future, to always check when boards are put up and to chase the estate agent much sooner and make it clear that 24 hours is a max to remove the offending board.

The suggestions made by princeofpounds are great and just what I need to progress this further. I really appreciate the help, sometimes it needs a little nudge in the right direction to get things going

Again thanks

anselld

rjhempel wrote: »

Trading standards say they can't do anything about it as it not about letting or selling.

I thought you said it was a "Let By" board. How can it not be about letting or selling?

rjhempel

this is because it is not my property that is being let or sold. They apparently only deal with the issue of letting and selling, not the boards that go up. Different experiences by different trading standards.

With the lessons of others experiences here, I realise that you won't always get the same help

snapping_crocodile

When I brought my house the board had a number on to call for removal. Iphoned it and a couple of weeks later it was gone!

Gwhiz

I always take them down, destroy the flat part and keep the stake. Very useful, wood!

BiggaThanBen

free shovel ! (well after minor DIY)