Illegal estate agent signs

Trading Standards are getting tough on estate agents who do not obey the law regarding fly-boarding and misleading claims. Fly-boarding is the practice whereby estate agents erect 'sold' and 'for sale' signs outside premises which they do not actually have any connection with. This illegal activity gives them unfair and misleading advertising and gives the false impression that they are active in the area.

Action is also being taken against estate agents who leave genuine 'sold' signs up longer than legally permitted.

An example of recent action was in connection with signs in Rotherhithe New Road. On a 300 metre stretch 59 signs were being displayed. These signs had been there for a significant period of time. Not only were they an eyesore but they also breached planning laws.  Trading Standards took informal action and none of the agents were able to justify the use of the boards. All the signs were removed and the agents concerned accepted warnings not to repeat the offences.

If you are aware of any estate agents signs which you believe should not be displayed, please contact us.

Contact us

Southwark trading standards service
Tel: 020 7525 2000
Fax: 020 7525 5705
tradingstandards@southwark.gov.uk 
The Chaplin Centre
Thurlow Street
London
SE17 2DG