Regulations you must follow when dealing with customers

Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2008 (CPRs) and Business Protection from Misleading Marketing Regulations 2008 (BPRs).

If your marketing of property or services could reach consumers or business customers in the UK, these regulations apply regardless of:

  • which country you're based in
  • which country the property for let is located in

The guidance applies to you if, as part of your business, you:

  • supply marketing or other services related to the sale or letting of property or land, for example if you're: 
    • an estate agent
    • a buyers' agent
    • an internet property retailer
    • a property auctioneer
    • a letting agent 
    • a property management agent
    • a solicitor offering services that count as estate agency or lettings agency work
  • sell or let property or land, for example if you're a property developer that markets and sells your own developments
  • buy property or land for resale, for example if:
    • you're a company that buys up below market value property as an investment opportunity
    • you provide a service related to any of the above

You should read and understand the regulations so you can comply with the law and treat consumers, business customers and competitors properly.
 
You should:  

  • consider how the regulations apply to your property business  
  • if necessary, make changes to your business practices, and  
  • make sure that your staff understand the regulations and comply with them, as your business may be held responsible for their actions

If you don't comply with the CPRs or BPRs

If you don't comply with the CPRs and BPRs, you may face enforcement action.  

Several consumer enforcement bodies, for example local authority Trading Standards Services or the Competition and Markets Authority, enforce these regulations.  

Formal enforcement action isn't taken automatically. Enforcers must promote compliance by the most appropriate means. This can range from helping the business meet their legal obligations with guidance and assistance, through to formal enforcement action.

Other consumer protection legislation

When dealing with consumers you need to comply with trading standards and consumer protection legislation, including:

The Business Companion has free and impartial information for businesses and individuals that need to know about trading standards and consumer protection legislation.