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NEWS FLASH: HomeLet duo to fight 'unfair' sackings

Monday 5th March 2012

John Boyle, managing director of HomeLet, the country’s biggest tenant referencing and insurance firm, has been sacked for gross misconduct. He has totally denied any wrongdoing and has instructed solicitors.

HomeLet is a major sponsor of tomorrow’s ARLA conference and exhibition, being held at the London Metropole Hotel.

In unintended irony, the firm advertises its presence at the event saying: “This year we’re celebrating our 20th Birthday, that’s 20 years of refining our processes; building our experienced team of over 300 people, developing our products and working with some of the biggest brands in the lettings industry.

“We’re proud of what we’ve achieved in this time and also what we have planned for this year… 2012 is going to be a big year!”  

Boyle said he had been treated harshly and unfairly by the firm, which sells various insurances on the back of its referencing.

He added: “Anyone who knows me knows that I am a straightforward and fair kind of guy.”

He said he would appeal against his dismissal.

Also sacked is Heidi Abbott, the business development director. The two had previously been suspended pending an inquiry demanded by the City watchdog, the Financial Services Authority.

Boyle, 53, said: “We have been made convenient scapegoats, to deflect away from the real problems.”

HomeLet has had to take a look at all the tenancy insurance policies that have been sold via letting agents.

The agents, apparently acting on advice from HomeLet, had a clause in their tenancy agreements that made it mandatory for tenants to insure their own possessions.

However, the FSA became involved and invoked an OFT ruling going back to around 2005 about treating customers fairly.

Boyle said: “In fact, treating customers fairly was always top priority for me.

“However, it is true that you cannot make a tenant insure their own possessions.”

Tenants could, however, be required to insure landlords’ belongings, he added. The problem seems to have been that HomeLet did not have a product that was just for landlords, bundling everything in together.

As the pair have been dismissed for alleged gross misconduct, they could find it impossible under FSA rules to work in the insurance industry again, certainly at a senior level, as they might not get Approved Person status.

The affair is also of deep concern to HomeLet’s 3,000 or so letting agents who were the ones who actually did the selling. However, the FSA appears to be taking the line that it was HomeLet’s responsibility to ensure that the agents did not break any rules.

Last Friday afternoon, after the sackings, HomeLet insisted there had been no update on the situation. However, a new statement is expected this morning.

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Added by Exemp on 2012-04-28 12:34:34

I used to work for HomeLet and know John well. I can safely say that he is one of the most honest and decent managers I've ever worked for, and there is no doubt in my mind that he has been used as a scapegoat in this situation. Just wanted to write this as I don't like to see such a good guy having his name blackened by a company that is intrinsically at fault.

Added by emp87 on 2012-03-20 12:35:50

Well I'm glad I no longer work there! I hope this is resolved soon and something good comes out of it for all the guys that do still work there. :-(

Added by UKtenantdata-MD on 2012-03-19 21:52:25

It's really this simple; Homelet have made an error and as a result are encountering difficulties with the regulatory authorities, in turn this will result in compliance issues and a major re-think in the way the company moves forward if it chooses to retain a position in the market.
The industry has changed, and I feel the evolution in client expectations, customer service and value for money has moved on to a new level. These factors are important and our research has shown Letting Agencies need a high level of support, training and access to products that will grow their bottom line and not just be perceived as another cost base.
Like any industry things do change; it is the failure to adapt and recognise these changes that will cause a company to fail, this also includes stagnated management who fail to adapt to a changing market.

My name is Tony Williams and I am the Managing Director of UKtenantdata. If you need any help feel free to give me a call. We are in the book.

Added by Hold on to your cash on 2012-03-19 12:19:37

How many customers has Martin Oliver visited or called?
Who runs communications at Homelet?
Why are they leaving customers in the dark?
What do they think the telephone compliance sessions with agents will achieve?
Who is running this sinking ship? Perhaps its the Italian who escaped the Costa Concordia?
What a joke, clear the decks - Barbon senior management get a grip!!!

Added by Lime-Man on 2012-03-19 12:00:46

Lorna ?????

Who is Lorna? I am Lime Man the one and only, last time I checked I was a bloke ...

Added by liar liar pants on fire on 2012-03-17 13:07:46

Unlucky Lime Man or should I say Lorna!! Looks like you've been rumbled!

Added by Lime Man on 2012-03-15 22:34:44

Thanks letting manager, I am not employed in anyway shape or form by UKTD, I am the MD of a letting agency who used to use the services of Homelet.

As I mentioned their compliance department struck me off as I would not supply them with my tenancy agreement. so i took my business elsewhere and am now very happy...

Added by lettings manager on 2012-03-15 22:19:00

P off- you are a fool.

The company is now where near a "good" position. Yes they'll be ok but only just and it will take time for them to rebuild, cleanse the brand and secure confidence from the industry. It will be a different business to what it is now.

Lime man is no better as I suspect him to be a marketing ploy for uktd.

The company has lost its way, poor management,destructive ambition and appears staff at senior level that have had it too easy. The company has lost good AND bad staff, thats life!

if you are an employee I suggest you keep off these forums, your post (and the language in it) does nothing to convince me that I should work with the company that pay your wages and I am sure your management have enough to do than waste time in trying to limit negative press produced by their staff.

Added by Lime-man on 2012-03-14 22:04:16

As the Md of a fair sized letting agency whom were a customer of Homelet for a number of years, to me the business seemed to run very smoothly and honestly. I began to smell a rat last year when they started shedding their best staff because they reduced their basic salaries and offere ridiculous and un acheiveble bonus structures, as someone else stated we were appointed a telephone rep... Not the way to do business in my eyes.

the said company then requested a copy of my tenancy agreement template. Naturally my response was a well know phrase comprising of 2 words. I was highly amused when I received a letter stating that Homelet would no longer conduct references on my behalf because I did not meet their compliance departments criteria ( because I wouldn't send my tenancy agreement) looking back how ironic is that!!!

Needless to say they had well and truly upset me by this point so I shopped around and found uktenantdata, a relatitivly new company but they said the right things, offered the right price, commissions and exceeded my expectations by far when it comes to service.

With regards to Homelet, it's always sad to see people loose their jobs, but as a company director you sign to say that you accept liability for the actions of your company and staff.

I am not sure what the future may be for Homelet but for me they have gone beyond the point of return, the best staff have left , the management seems weak, and the procedures are clearly floored.

I don't think it's appropriate to speculate what may or may not happen to Homelet as a result of this but potentially it's certainly and industry changing "cock up" the Fsa, Arla and HMRC I am sure will conduct a fair an appropriate investigation.

Added by Livin La Vida Loca on 2012-03-13 07:03:33

Tip of the iceberg, this.

Can't comment on individuals mentioned but I think Homelet have their house in much better order than others - in relation to FSA regulation.

Expect the FSA to increase their focus on this sector, which I worked in for some considerable years. Some of the providers have found workarounds which are ill constructed while others blatantly lie to letting agents. Expect trouble and lots of it over the coming years.

Added by nowhere on 2012-03-12 19:45:05

Martins going nowhere

Added by dianne connolly on 2012-03-12 12:00:31

I hear Martin Oliver's about to jump ship! Will they all be gone by the end of the month?

Added by What a surprise! on 2012-03-12 11:30:26

Well well well...if the (initial) issue was actually raised to top management when it was raised by compliance, there wouldnt be as much a problem would there! It could have been dealt with instead of swept under the carpet as it appears is what has happened.

Poor management equals poor business.

I also find it hilarious that staff on one particular floor are concerned about the sackings and yet the rest of staff have a completely different opinion.

Thank god I escaped when I did!

Added by get over it on 2012-03-12 08:07:02

Liar... Bore off.

Added by John on 2012-03-12 07:45:34

I can see why you would hope that posters are ex employees. Can't speak for anyone else, but sorry to tell you that I'm a plain old property manager.

Added by get over it on 2012-03-11 00:07:40

This is clearly just bitter ex employees of the company. Get a bloody life. You are pathetic.

Added by Miss Elling on 2012-03-10 19:19:03

John, it seems that An Employee has been told that they make £6.8 million a quarter...
That's alot of mis sold insurance!!!!!!

Added by InsuranceMan on 2012-03-09 19:13:33

homelet are crap. end of.

Added by John on 2012-03-09 18:50:38

An Employee

VAT can only be paid on the reference element of an inclusive rent guarantee. Then IPT for the insurance element.

What on earth have you been getting told?!

Added by Not Fooled Again on 2012-03-09 11:17:20

Having left homelet a good number of years ago when I left for all manner of familiar reasons, I find it astonishing that ex managers/employees of said brand, come out the woodwork with new companies and try to dine on this capitulation by homelet. Even the sales lines are the same? I still have had 1st hand experience of this.

Agreed with Rent g'tee being about getting what you pay for. I actually agree to pay arrears out my own pocket as the cost of insuring per tenant and even property is still far higher than what I have actually paid out. Referencing is key, but judge of character is paramount. But I do carry legal cover to assist with evictions.

To me, rent guarantee is a false economy

Added by bet your bored with no agents left on 2012-03-09 10:05:46

Bored- please tell me how many long standing sales people at homelet have left??

The " worst sales people" did not leave, everyone did!

I for one have watched your sales structure go from great in house face to face service to a phone call every 3 months from some ill educated 19 year old that has no understanding of my business. and to say homelet have " nothing to worry about"! Wake up!!

In your single arrogant comment you have just summed up what is wrong with the business you work for.

Added by Anon. on 2012-03-09 08:49:45

Miss Selling - you're absolutely right. The tax applied to RGI's is completely wrong and there is an investigation currently going on into that as well.

The compliancy breaches reported on are just the tip of the iceberg, much more will be coming to light soon.

Added by My pennies' worth on 2012-03-09 08:47:41

Reading the string of comments has been fun! For what it's worth, rent guarantee is an invaluable product - but you get what you pay for. Pay peanuts and you'll get a weak product that won't pay out. I have two properties, both have Letsure's rent guarantee policy on them. It's not the cheapest, but in my experience, it's the best. I've been involved in this industry since 1995 - not as an insurer or a letting agent (and I do not work for either Barbon company) - and have always supported good selling practices. There are some good reputable businesses out there who will support the agents and offer a second-to-none service. If you're thinking of jumping ship, LOOK AROUND ... Changing suppliers, and getting new processes bedded down, takes time. Make the right choice

Added by bored on 2012-03-09 08:09:38

Homelet have notthing to worry about if this is the forum of advertising for the competitors. Homelets worst sales people have left to join the sorry states below good luck with that and your mis informed guidance on the selling of rent guarantee

Added by Hold on to your cash on 2012-03-08 21:59:45

MissSelling: you are on the ball: what a con!

Added by Hold on to your cash on 2012-03-08 21:55:31

Homelet have been issuing rent guarantees to agents in the landlords name even when the letting agent does not manage the property. They have encouraged agents to sell rent guarantee to landlords without the correct authorisation. Game over !!!

Added by Yawn on 2012-03-08 20:34:34

Yawn...are we all still talking about this? It's been a almost a week and still people seems to have nothing better to do than bang on about how Homelet are finished.
"It's the end of the world, we were stupid enough to put illegal clauses in our tenancy agreements without checking with a solicitor first". Yawn

On a side note for the poster 'Letsure' , I am currently a customer with letsure and I still mandate that tenants have insurance in place. You know why? Because letsure sell a liability only product which is perfect for my contractual needs. Maybe this is why the FSA are not up in Glasgow all over letsure

http://www.fsa.gov.uk/smallfirms/your_firm_type/gi/good_practice/identifying_practices.shtml

Added by Industry Expert on 2012-03-08 19:05:09

Lets face it Homelet need to put the "for sale" board up and get out of the industry. They have had their purple patch, but the time has come for their book to be ripped apart by the newbys...so get out while you can, at least while you have something to sell....

Added by Letsure on 2012-03-08 18:13:00

Letsure, owned by Barbon are no different. Why are the FSA leaving Letsure alone, or are they next? How many Letsure agents have mandatory tenant insurance clauses? I would bet that Barbon wont have a clue. The Kwik Fit chaps should go back to fitting tyres and the FSA should be in Glasgow!
Homelet / Letsure / Barbon - Finished!

Added by safe agent on 2012-03-08 17:32:04

If I were safe agent I would get as far away from homelet and barbon as possible. It's is so hypocritical for her to stand there and say what she says with the back drop of the safe agent logo. It's says she is the head of principal accounts, I suggest she gets back to dealing with the accounts she has left. We have a number of offices with them and I am yet to encounter her nor do I now want to.

Withholding payment, moving providers and do not want the barbon machine part of my company what so ever.

Added by Hold on to your cash on 2012-03-08 17:13:28

How many agents in your area are holding back on paying invoices to Homelet?
We are worried about the compensation claims!
Their actions since the breaking news are very worrying, like they just don't care. The video is unbelievable.

Added by shockedagent on 2012-03-08 17:07:20

Is that their attempt at damage control? Pitiful.

Even her eyes are dead and expressionless, much like Homelet's promises.

Added by unbelivable on 2012-03-08 16:28:11

Just watched the YouTube clip from the post below. Unbelivable!!! She might as well of stood there and shouted treating customers fairly 20 times then ran off. In denial is completely right. A company and staff base that have no idea, cannot connect with the real issues and has the arrogance to sit on a stand at ARLA still professing they are trustworthy and experienced. What a joke!

Added by In Denial on 2012-03-08 13:30:11

watch this; http://tinyurl.com/7g3krds
How can Homelet say that treating customers fairly is core to what they do? Have they not listened to anything during the last week or so?

Added by homelet-putting the risk in property rental on 2012-03-07 23:30:39

HomeLets the lettings industry version of fernando Torres. Not only do they both no longer have a manager they're both massively over priced who will never get back to the peak in their careers!!

Added by APPLE on 2012-03-07 20:05:44

I wonder if any of the current and ex-Homelet personnel slating Heidi and John on here refused the annual bonuses they were given on the back of the company's financial performance (achieved through what they say was one or two individuals relentless pursuit of profit over regulation). No...thought not.

Added by ARLA Conference on 2012-03-07 12:27:26

Not a single Barbon executive at the ARLA conference yesterday. Its a lack of leadership that has resultied in this total mess; Martin Oliver, Richard Walden and Co must be toast!

Added by Scapegoats on 2012-03-07 12:04:54

Malcolm McCaigs Specialties; Director at Barbon.

Risk management, regulatory compliance, finance, audit, corporate finance, IT, corporate governance, change management, project management, banking, insurance, asset management.

Added by oh really on 2012-03-07 10:49:11

think you need to get your facts straight - dont worry it will all come out shortly i am sure - i guess we will have to wait and see....

enjoy your view of the situation for the time being - i have no doubt it will be short lived. I am waiting for the next announcement where others are implicated by the mess that has been created - i am sure it has to come soon i am sure there are some people not sitting comfortably right now and rightly so

Added by Anon. on 2012-03-07 10:37:51

I never mentioned John at all, he seemed a very honest person who everyone liked, his only mistake was not keeping control over Heidi and unfortunately has been caught up in the mess she created. Number of sales has always been more important than compliancy in her eyes.

Added by oh really on 2012-03-07 09:55:00

Anon for a reason i am sure! Anon is back again and probably works in homelets compliance or audit teams - i suggest you get back to work - i think you have more than enough to do to fix the mess you have created

I am sure the truth will come out in the end but putting the blame at john and heidis is door is not a wise one.

Added by Anon. on 2012-03-07 09:22:26

Could have been avoided - well said. It definitely could have been avoided.

The compliance staff who raised all these issues left after getting nowhere with them, it's not surprising they then notified the FSA out of pure frustration. The new compliance manager is even less qualified than the old one. Heidi brushed it all under the carpet because illegal practices or not it was making the company a LOT of money, glad to see she's gone, sadly it's probably too late to save the company.

Added by Miss Elling on 2012-03-06 20:42:21

Most amused to read the comments below from Mr Letting, Agent in Yorkshire, Happy Customer, Local letting Agent, In the know and Someone who knows.
I admire your efforts in self preservation and job security guys, but anyone who puts a capital L in Homelet is revealing their true identity as a Homelet employee.
Nice try but it's too late. The damage is done.

Added by stonehenge on 2012-03-06 18:50:32

If any Letting Agent was unaware that compulsory tenants insurance had already been cited as being highly likely to be an unfair term so long ago then that tells me that agents are not keeping up! You can never make any landlord or tenant take out buildings or contents insurance.

If Homelet was ignoring this, which appears to be the case then they too were asking for trouble.

Quite a few years ago Homelet got rid of a lot of its reps who then took them to court and each won a decent sum I seem to remember. From the detritus Lets XL was born I think, and they seem to be doing OK.

Homemelt rather than Homelet. There will be tears.

Added by Could have been avoided on 2012-03-06 18:36:03

Barbon and Homelet's main faults were that for many years they allowed a Compliance "Manager" with no qualifications, experience or back bone to run the Compliance Department at Homelet, forcing out a lot of Compliance staff who actually knew what they were doing but couldn't stand to work in the department any longer. Interestingly, the issue that the FSA have picked up was highlighted by Compliance staff a number of years ago but for some reason this issue either didn't reach Homelet senior management or once they received this information, chose to ignore it because it was a money maker. From my experience of Homelet, it was probably a bit of both. What a shame that the Compliance Director never listened to what her staff were telling her about the "manager".

Added by in the know on 2012-03-06 16:32:57

Latest news, MD of Letsure instructed to step down, the team at Homelet don't want the competition running the shop..... (we wish!)

Added by HEAVYHEART on 2012-03-06 13:20:52

Sad...but that's what people get paid for ...RESPONSIBILITY...although to be fair where is the COMPLIANCE TEAM in all the take outs ???

Added by Rough Justice on 2012-03-06 12:44:09

Ironic really that these two will be fighting unfair dismissal! The mighty (?) will continue to fall I think!

Added by Dave on 2012-03-06 08:39:02

Oliver is a numbers man, he has made a bad call on this one. The handling of this case has not been good and it will cost the company.

Added by corporate soap... on 2012-03-06 07:43:43

Homelet is a very profitable company, it's no RM, but even in this economic climate it's pulling numbers that would make most business green with envy. The fact is that without homelet's contribution to Barbon, which is owned by the Banks, Barbon's P&L statements would probably be on the negative side. Are senior members of the Barbon board aware of something that others don't know? Are the banks looking to sell homelet (a stable and strong business) and are senior members of Barbon trying to leverage their way (and their cronies) into control of homelet?

Homelet have been there from the start, whilst there is still a PRS they will be providing the best references. Their other products (which are confusing and in the case of rental guarantee, they have too many) take them or leave them. Until they have ironed things out stick to their references.

Added by Rob Jones on 2012-03-05 21:07:41

No sympathy. If such a foul up happened under my stewardship I would expect to get sacked.

If I failed my landlords through knowing (or not knowing) what errors were being made in my business then I would be fully accountable.

Unfortunately, some of those here who are still praising homelet are going to have their loyalty tested when landlords and especially tenants start asking questions once this news spreads outwith our industry. Trust me, there will be tenants old and existing wanting their money back and you to sort the mess.

Who are you going to blame. Homelet or yourself?

Added by annoyed on 2012-03-05 20:42:34

The barbon management are a bunch of dishonest cowards, They had to brief staff here today on this as they had told senior management that they must not tell them about this before hand - why? What do they have to hide?

HomeLet staff do not trust your barbon management team one bit - you don't know the half of it. Watch this space more failings will soon be public i am sure. This has been going on for over a month staff have been kept in the dark.

Annoyed that genuine people have to go through this and at how badly handled this whole incident has been

Added by my view on 2012-03-05 20:37:55

The question for me is far more around Barbon management as they seem to have power over running Homelet and homelet will not be left to make its own decisions- what do they know about the lettings industry and if they are prepared to make dire decisions like the one regarding john and heidi - what is next - i am not hanging around to find out!

Added by Industry Expert on 2012-03-05 20:09:03

The industry is changing like it or not! Agents need a service that suites their needs and requirements, and if their current provider is failing to deliver then the result is obvious. Industry leaders change all the time; that's industry in progress. I personally think Homelet is the industry leader for now, however this will change in due course, as the Hoover brand has given way to other brands like Dyson. So stay with your Hoover if you like...

Added by Agent in Yorkshire on 2012-03-05 20:01:48

I dont understand how some of the people that have written these comments are still in business!! The bottom line is what is best for me, my landlords, tenants and Agency and that is staying with the market leader.

Every time I have had to speak to anyone at HomeLet whether my account manager, referencing team, the sales teams or calll centre, they have always been top class and know their stuff. I briefly used a competitor a few years ago, not listening to the bad feedback I had heard, and I was back with HomeLet in weeks.

They are the best in the business, fact

Added by Mr Letting on 2012-03-05 19:46:45

I can't believe anyone taking their business elsewhere. HomeLet have consistently proved themselves in the leeting industry and in times like these I want them in my corner.
I have had personal dealings with John Boyle, and he is nothing but honest and straighforward. I will remain with HomeLet as they are the best in the business at what they do.

Added by Happy customer on 2012-03-05 19:41:15

I have worked with HomeLet for many years and have always found the company to be reputable and honest. These two individuals deserve nothing but praise, they have put more into that company than anyone else. I will continue doing business happily with HomeLet for many years to come and so should all other agents! They are the market leader for a reason.

Added by Mystery on 2012-03-05 19:22:46

John Boyle was an asset to that company and does not deserve a single bad word said against him! He is a good man and should fight it all the way. He loved that company with every bone in his body unlike some others!

Added by Local Letting Agent on 2012-03-05 17:37:09

We use Reference my Tenant for our checks, headed up by an x-Letsure senior manager. I have followed the owner of Reference my Tenant from her days as head of Letsure's referencing, to setting up referencing for a nationwide chain, to launching her own company. Can't fault them at all. HomeLet is a big beast and offers good products in a huge call centre environment. Not for me I'm afraid.

Added by savvy let on 2012-03-05 17:18:31

Sometimes better the devil you know, I think there are a lot of people that will make a rash choice, and if this news was not reported on, would you know any different?

I think the homelet business, service and products haven't changed....I am staying put. Like Kellogs say.............homelet in my expereince are 'the original and best' I am going to bide my time for a few months, if i get a reason to go i will, until then whats the point? Just new processes to go wrong, new forms to get used to and change for the sake of it.

Added by Matt Roberts on 2012-03-05 16:55:39

Inhabit Rob and Let Agent Cumbria wont be singing the praises of UKTD when the service they offer dips...each to their own, but not really wise telling agents who are and who are not any good (unless you work for UK Tenant Data......)

Added by Inhabit Rob on 2012-03-05 16:47:58

I to have been using UKTenant data. Homelets products were all over the show and they were certainly not focused on us the agents. Too expensive & too many products. Tony & David from UKTD will gladly take over any unhappy clients like they did with me.

Added by Let Agent Cumbria on 2012-03-05 16:41:42

We have been using a relatively new company called UKTenantData - they seem pretty on the ball

Added by Leeds Agent on 2012-03-05 16:36:25

Have other agents considered other options for referencing? We use www.lettingref.com for our tenant reference checks and find he system very easy to use - good value too at only £7 per reference check.

Added by In the know on 2012-03-05 16:24:12

I have worked with Homelet for years, and I have always found everyone I have dealt with fantastic. I really do think they can come through all this. I feel sorry for John and Heidi, but they will take it as far as they need to, before the inevitable out of court settlement is announced.

HomeLet do a great job for me, their window stickers will stay proudly in my window. I have used their competitors, and they were woeful, amateurish and lacking in knowledge.

I remain a loyal Homelet partner and agent

Added by Ben on 2012-03-05 15:09:42

I believe ARLA are also aware of this issue and have recently issued a statement to members as ARLA have also been previously confused by the OFT guidance. I think Heidi and John have been extremely loyal to ARLA over the years, encouraging their letting agents to be ARLA members etc, Will ARLA now stand by them or will they carry on and let Homelet be lead sponsors tomorrow??? Come on ARLA DO THE RIGHT THING
I bet it wont be Martin Oliver or the letsure md on the stand having to promote the brand tomorrow.....

Added by Anon. on 2012-03-05 14:31:39

Someone who knows - utter nonsense.

All of the compliance issues, both the ones announced and the ones still covered up, could have been fixed years ago. The compliance team have known about them and reported on them for years. The single point of failure is the management and they are now gone.

This is brilliant news for the company who hopefully can now start trading ethically for once.

Added by Sam on 2012-03-05 14:25:19

ARLA should drop this lot like a hot potato. The event tomorrow will be a farce; do business with Homelet, sponsors of ARLA and get closed down!
No thanks! I'm with Southampton Agent, hold on to the invoice money, we might need it!

Added by Someone who knows on 2012-03-05 14:05:43

Total rubbish - anon! Heidi is a credible and honest person who most definitely being used as a scapgoat the same as John in this whole fiasco. These two individuals have led HomeLet and have a wealth of support in the industry and i believe from staff and colleagues alike. I personally support both of them all the way and

Added by Anon. on 2012-03-05 13:58:24

I think you'll find your opinion on Heidi being straight forward and honest is a rare one, especially if you talk to anyone who actually works at HomeLet!

Added by letsdance on 2012-03-05 13:38:07

Agree with Will. I have dealt on a profesional level with John and Heidi, both are upright honest and straightforward people, who are respected in the industry - more so than Barbon! The Compliance team there always seemed more over the top than at many insurance companies but surprisingly the Compliance guy is still in a job? This is scapegoating and maybe also cost-cutting? The MMC should investigate if Homelet and Letsure are under the same MD.

This is also typical FSA trying to pretend that they still perform a useful function in the food chain. Compared to the banking and pensions fiascos that they have presided over, this is small change. The FSA is like a referee who has lost all control of the football match, but worries about whether players have their socks pulled up or not.

Added by Hold on to your cash on 2012-03-05 12:05:34

A very good suggestion; hold on to your cash and withold any invoices from Homelet. We might need it to pay compensation, because of Homelet actions, not ours!

Added by Southampton Agent on 2012-03-05 11:43:25

shockedagent - you are absolutely right; how can any letting agent have a brand association with Homelet. All agents should remove Homelet stickers from their windows, and any links from their web sites in order to protect themseves. We work hard to build our reputaion locally, no way should we suffer through the Barbon / Homelet incompetence.
Will agents who have mis-sold tenants insurance following Homelet guidance have to repay the commissions earned? this could be financially disatrous. Letting agents all over the UK will be faced with difficult conversations with landlords and tenants because they followed the advice from Homelet. Next invoice will remain unpaid until this is sorted!!!

Added by shockedagent on 2012-03-05 11:30:08

fellow agents, leave the sinking ship while you still can!

Added by Sam on 2012-03-05 10:21:53

Compliance reports to Martin Oliver - how is it only now that he is picking up on these issues - what about the last 2 years or so?

Added by non of my business and don't care either way on 2012-03-05 09:42:34

Could it be argued that essentially he was responsible for making sure Barbon did not get into this situations like this. As for the compliance staff it was his job to sack them for incompetence, the fact he didn't makes him incompetent, hence gross misconduct?

Added by Jules on 2012-03-05 09:08:29

Really? We've found their methods at best aggressive and at worse close to conditional selling. We lost faith with them years ago - they still do our credit checks - for now.

Added by Will Gentle on 2012-03-05 08:56:03

I know John and Heidi quite well and have worked with them as a customer of Homelet and as an employee of Barbon and would be very surprised if there was any truth to the 'gross misconduct' charge. I would agree with John's comment of 'looking for a scapegoat' as Barbon as a whole group is under the very close eye of the FSA currently. I just cant believe that they have been sacked and held accountable for any 'wrong doing'. Homelet and Barbon Group have a Compliance Team (that is a pain in the neck and stop and check everything 36 times before it goes out) who should have picked up anything if it was wrong, I don't see any news about anyone from compliance getting the sack. John, Heidi - best of luck!

Added by Sam on 2012-03-05 08:53:56

The parent company Barbon is all over the place on this one. Inconceivable that Martin Oliver can survive. Apparantly the MD of Letsure has been put in charge of Homelet - whilst both owned by Barbon they are competeing businesses with no love lost between them. This is the begining of the end - clueless!
John & Heidi will not let this go away quietly - the information used in court will be interesting.

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