I refer to your article (The Herald, November 12) on the litigation by one lawyer against one firm of property managers for activity which is not typical of the business practices of members of the Property Managers Association Scotland Limited (PMAS).
PMAS represents the majority of companies outwith the Registered Social Landlord sector who offer residential property management or factoring services in Scotland. Its members manage just over 150,000 properties in Scotland and are obliged to observe the PMAS code of practice, a copy of which is available on the PMAS website www.pmas.org.uk.
As secretary of PMAS, I receive fewer than 150 complaints about members in a year. I receive complaint referrals from clients of member firms who are directed to me by their property manager, from clients of solicitors, from Citizens' Advice Bureaux, from the Scottish Consumer Council and from inquiries to our website. Most of these complaints are either mediated or explained and in a small number result in disciplinary action by PMAS against its member firm.
PMAS and its members would welcome regulation of the industry as its members have nothing to fear from regulation. PMAS is in discussion with the Scottish Government, Communities Scotland and the Scottish Consumer Council to promote and progress the regulation of the industry, as well as seeking a meeting with Patricia Ferguson MSP to assist to direct her Member's Bill to provide a workable and efficient system of regulation if government will not come forward with early proposals.
James A Millar, for Property Managers Association Scotland Limited, 2 Blythswood Square, Glasgow.
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