Council warns tenants about fake repair firms
Tandridge District Council is urging tenants to be "on your guard"
- Published
Residents of a district in Surrey are being warned about using fake repair firms.
Tandridge District Council is urging tenants to be "on your guard" if someone visits their home or calls offering to check for repairs.
The authority said it was aware of representatives from private law firms, mainly based in the north west of England, using "pushy tactics" to persuade tenants to make housing disrepair claims.
Council leader Catherine Sayer said: "If you know of any council tenants, particularly elderly or vulnerable ones, please advise them to have no dealings."
Some tenants have reported to the council that they had received repeated calls from firms promising quick compensation, the authority said.
It urged locals to look out for those without official council identification, being asked to sign paperwork on the spot, pressure tactics and persistent calls.
The council's official surveyors are Savills, Corgi Technical and Delco Fire, and none of these surveyors require a signature from tenants, the council added.
"Many council tenants are reporting to us that they are being repeatedly called by companies claiming they can win them compensation," Sayer said.
"Please do not be taken in by these people."
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