Changes to the Consumer Code for Home Builders
18th September 2017 by Rob Kelly
The Consumer Code for Home Builders is an industry-led scheme which gives protection and rights to the purchasers of new homes, ensuring that new home buyers are treated fairly and are fully informed about their purchase before and after they sign the contract.
All home builders registered with NHBC, and other home warranty bodies who support the scheme, agree to comply with the requirements of the code, which benefits both home builders and buyers by aiming to improve on the levels of customer satisfaction.
Among the changes which have been introduced are a new definition of “Customer”, who is now a person making enquiries about buying a home but who has not reserved a home. The definition of “Home Buyer” has also been amended to clarify that it means “a Customer who goes on to Reserve or buy a home”. (A Customer becomes a Home Buyer when they enter into a formal reservation agreement, and claims under the code can only be made by a Home Buyer.)
The code is available to download here: http://www.consumercode.co.uk/home-builders/what-is-the-code-and-why-is-it-important-to-me/
If you would like further information please contact Rob Kelly.
This article provides information and comments on legal issues and developments of interest. The contents of this article do not constitute legal advice, is not a comprehensive treatment of the subject matter covered, and should not be relied on as such. Legal advice should be sought about your specific circumstances before taking any action with respect to the matters discussed.
Questions relating to this article should be addressed directly to the author.
Rob Kelly
Senior Associate — Dispute Resolution
Direct dial: 01202 377871
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“I have had the pleasure of working with several members of the team at Laceys regularly over a period of years. I found Rob Kelly in particular, who worked on a successful litigation case for me over a period of several years to be outstanding in all aspects of the work he undertook, and the manner in which he did it. I now consider him a friend. I would not - and have not - hesitated to recommend Laceys to my family and friends, and continue to use them for all legal matters.”
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“I've worked with a fair few lawyers over the years and Rob Kelly is the most on the ball and efficient lawyers I've ever come across. I'm looking forward to working together for many years to come.”
Rob practices in two main, complimentary areas of work – contentious wills, probate and trust disputes, and property disputes.
Contentious wills, probate and trusts
More than half of Rob’s time is spent dealing with the contentious aspects of wills, probate and trusts, an area in which he has practiced continuously for over 20 years. He advises and acts in disputes relating to wills and inheritance, trusts, the duties of trustees and personal representatives, and the administration of estate.
Rob’s practice embraces:
- Personal representative and trustee disputes (including personal representative and trustee disagreements, removals / substitutions and alleged misconduct)
- Disappointed beneficiary claims
- Will disputes (where the validity of a will is challenged on the grounds of undue influence, lack of testamentary capacity, lack of knowledge and approval of the contents of a will, and fraudulent calumny)
- Financial provision claims under the Inheritance (Provision for Family and Dependants) Act 1975
- Proprietary estoppel claims
- Disputes about the proper construction, and rectification, of wills
- Caveats
- Professional liability claims arising from the preparation of wills and trusts and the administration of estates
He has mediated (either as appointed mediator or as a representative) dozens of disputes involving contentious wills and probate issues.
Property disputes
The other side of Rob’s practice is contentious property work. This embraces:
- Residential and commercial landlord and tenant disputes
- Disrepairs
- Repairing covenants
- Possession claims
- Lease termination and lease forfeiture
- Dilapidations
- Service charge disputes
- Interpretation and enforcement of leasehold covenants
Rob’s style is a mix of listening, asking (tough) questions, diplomacy and reality testing. He’s interested, flexible, and pragmatic. He offers a common sense, realistic approach to assist his clients in searching for solutions to their disputes and brings straight talking and integrity to his work.
Rob is an Associate Member of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives. He holds an LLB (Hons) degree in law. He successfully completed training as a mediator under the ADR Chambers / Harvard Law Project Scheme in June 2006, was one of the first mediators to have been appointed an IMI Certified Mediation Advocate in the UK with a commercial practice, and is a member of the Civil Mediation Council.
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