“rogue” house
clearance warning signs - Tips on what to look out for
A rogue house clearance company is to all extents and circumstances an unreliable, unprofessional, scam artist. Their only intent is to fleece money from unsuspecting clients. It is essential that you thoroughly research any prospective house clearance company you are considering using before entering into an agreement. Please take the time out to read through our useful tips (below)..
Our current list of reputable house clearance companies
can be found here
We hear so many stories from people who have suffered at the hands of “rogue” house clearance companies. Some of the stories involve items being stolen, intimidation into paying more than the agreed price; being subject to a torrent of foul language, unsuspecting people being prosecuted for not using a licensed house clearance company who ultimately fly-tipped. We have also come across stories where money has been obtained via identity theft. The list really does go on and on. Please do not expose yourself to these rogues.
Warning Signs to watch out for
1. Does the person you are speaking to on the
phone sound cagey, hesitant, or non confident?
2. Are they promising the earth for very little
money?
3. Ask them if they will supply you with an
invoice once the house clearance is completed? The invoice
should contain all of their business details.
4. Are they asking for cash in hand?
5. Is their website transparent? Do they have
a registered office address shown?
6. Remember, anyone can put together a website
in a few hours. Take your time to go over their website
thoroughly. Does it feel right to you? Just because
they have a website, do not think they are accountable.
We’ve heard of many stories whereby people have
been duped by professional looking websites that fail
to live up to their promises. For legal reasons we cannot
name and shame them, but please be warned. Just because
a site is listed on the Google search engine does not
qualify it as being either ethical or professional.
7. Remember anyone can write phoney testimonials.
Go with your first instinct; if something doesn’t feel
right to you; it probably isn’t.
Beware
Beware of any house clearance company that will only
provide you with a mobile contact number.
One of the most common complaints we hear, are “rogue”
house clearance companies promising to turn up on a
specific day, and subsequently accepting another job
that sounds more lucrative and then leaving you high
and dry; an utter nightmare if you have deadlines to
observe and other people to consider. Don’t chance it!
Use a reputable
house clearance company who can guarantee not to
let you down.
Keep yourself covered & within the law; ask the
following:
Keep yourself covered & within the law; ask the following:
Does your chosen company have a current waste carrier’s
license? Are they insured against damage they may cause?
It is absolutely crucial that you find out whether the
house clearance company are insured to cover any possible
damage to the property. Even if they’ve never had any
issues in the past, accidents can happen; double check
that they carry appropriate and sufficient insurance
cover including that of public liability
Also are they a registered business with the
UK tax office? Remember if something goes wrong on the
day, you will need their correct contact details to
seek reparation.
Things NOT to do:
Never give your credit card details to someone
that you feel may be working as an individual, and don’t
be pressured into agreeing on the spot because its no
longer valid once they walk away. A reputable house
clearance company will supply you with a written quotation,
valid for 30 days and an invoice upon completion. Never
pay in advance. No reputable
house clearance company takes payment in advance.
As a consumer, you should do all you can to protect
yourself from bogus operators by only hiring a reputable
house clearance company who are part of a trade
association like this one. Always get an office contact
number and address, and ask for references.
But for the unfortunate few who have already been duped
and then find themselves in a difficult situation with
a tradesman, it's important to know how to seek redress.
Our advice is that if you feel that a house clearance
company is harassing you into paying more than the agreed
price, call the police. Don't wait for matters to get
out of hand - especially if you feel physically threatened.
If it’s possible always have a reliable witness
on stand by should you need them. They could prove invaluable
if your experience ends in court.
If you feel threatened in any way by your house clearance
company at any point, politely ask them to leave the
premises and then call the police immediately, providing
them with as much information as possible.
If the worst does happen!
Contact to your local Citizens Advice Bureau
The Citizens Advice Bureau is a wonderful source of
information on consumer’s rights. They can provide
you with information on who to contact regarding any
conflict you may have. They will usually know who deals
with the specific trade you’re having issues with,
and can often provide free advice from solicitors or
mediators who will investigate the issue further for
you and will advise you what rights you have.
Alternatively, or in addition, contact the Trading
Standards Authority
Trading Standards will investigate the matter for you
and will provide you with helpful legal advice and a
plan of action for resolving the issue. (Always assuming
your rogue house clearance company can be tracked down
& held accountable). Ideally, none of this will
be necessary, however it’s helpful to know that
Trading Standards are there should you need them.
|
