Repeal of the Property Misdescriptions Act 1991
Download the full outcome
Detail of outcome
The government response addresses consultations on amending the Estate Agents Act 1979 and repealing the Property Misdescriptions Act 1991 (PMA).
We believe that the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (CPRs) provide broadly similar protection to the PMA. The concerns raised are similar to when the CPRs were first proposed, and these fears don’t appear to have materialised in other sectors. We believe this situation will continue whilst the PMA remains in place. Though some stakeholders dispute this, we do not believe repealing the PMA would significantly reduce levels of consumer protection.
Original consultation
Consultation description
Seeks views on the possible repeal of the Property Misdescriptions Act 1991 (PMA). The PMA makes it an offence to make false or misleading statements in the course of an estate agency or property development business about property offered for sale. The Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (CPRs) provide similar protections for consumers. This duplication may be unnecessary, putting additional burdens on business without providing additional protection for consumers. The consultation considers whether the government should repeal the PMA, now that the CPRs are in place.
Documents
Last updated 24 December 2012 + show all updates
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Added Government response document, December 2012
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First published.