Allen & Crane Estates, based in the Buckinghamshire town of Burnham, has been banned for failing to comply with the industry code of practice.

The firm has also failed to pay £1,600 to people who complained about the firm’s conduct.

The original complaint came from a number of landlords who raised concerns about the firm. All of the complaints were upheld to varying degrees by the Ombudsman, Christopher Hamer.

Failings included allowing tenants to take occupation of a property without a landlords’ knowledge and without any reference checks taking place.

They also failed to provide landlords with a copy on the tenancy agreement in a timely manner, did not check the property’s on a regular basis and were difficult to communicate with.

Ombudsman Christopher Hamer said the actions of the letting agent had ‘disadvantaged’ landlords.

“My role as Property Ombudsman is to impartially review complaints made by members of the public against agents based on the evidence that is submitted to me,” he said.

“I aim to promote a resolution in full and final settlement of a complaint, and will determine appropriate redress where I am satisfied that the actions of an agent have disadvantaged a complainant.

“In examining the issues involved, I take into account the relevant parts of the TPO Code of Practice and the obligations contained therein. The shortcomings in the service provided by Allen & Crane Estates that I identified, particularly with regards to the lack of referencing and security deposits, are serious, and are matters which have significantly disadvantaged the complainants. I therefore supported the complaints that have been made.”