A PROPERTY factor has been struck off the Scottish Government’s register, leaving homeowners scrambling to find someone reliable to look after their building.

Owners of a number of properties across the west of Scotland have been notified that Apex Property Factor is no longer registered.

The firm was listed in housing tribunal documents as being responsible for properties in Wilson Street and Houston Street, Renfrew, as well as others in Paisley, Cumbernauld, Motherwell, Dumbarton and Clydebank.

Scotland’s housing minister has made a statement to MSPs, highlighting that Apex “failed to meet minimum standards of practice.”

The Scottish Government first took action against Apex in April 2019 for not being a “fit and proper person” and failing to comply with a property factor enforcement order.

Earlier this month, just after Apex was removed from the register, a firm called Klean Kut Ltd wrote to residents from the same address as Apex, saying it was a new “associate company.”

Klean Kut Ltd is not registered with Companies House and is not on the property factor register.

The Gazette: Derek Mackay Derek Mackay

Neil Cowan wrote two letters to residents, one as Apex legal manager and another as Klean Kut.

As Apex, he said there was a “legal dispute” with the housing and social justice directorate.

The letter stated: “Until the matter is resolved, we have set up an associate company to ensure continuity of maintenance services. This is an interim measure which will hopefully be resolved shortly.”

And, as Klean Kut, he said the Property Factors (Scotland) Act involved expensive charges being passed on to consumers.

Mr Cowan added: “We have decided to adopt a different approach which allows us to reduce our charges and offer far more extensive servies to suit your particular needs. In addition, as a new company, VAT is not payable on our charges at present. As Apex Property Factor, we have had the pleasure of working with you for a considerable time and look forward to continuing to work with you.”

Renfrewshire North and West MSP Derek Mackay said: “It’s important that tenants and homeowners have complete confidence in factors managing properties and appropriate action is taken to tackle those failing to meet minimum standards of practice.”

Apex did not reply to a request for comment.

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