Developers Association sets up board to investigate clients' complaints

The Malta Developers Association (MDA) has set up a board to investigate complaints raised by clients over building development.

"Since almost all the complaints received concern developers that are not MDA members, we cannot take action against these developers. However, we promise to do our utmost to help all those who have written to it," MDA said in a statement.

The association said that when it had been set up, founding members agreed to draw up and promote a code of ethics, since it was felt that the time had come to change people's perception about property developers.

"We feel it is unfair to generalise and shed a negative light on all the developers because of a few careless individuals," an MDA spokesman said.

MDA also urged the public to be informed before any agreement is signed.

 "It is important to know who you are dealing with and what terms you are entering into," the MDA said.

It also recommended that people should check who the MDA-approved developers are online on its website - www.mda.com.mt.

"Contracts should be read carefully. Ask your Notary to explain when things are not clear. Most of the time, the disputes we have read about could have been easily avoided if the contract entered into stipulated and clearly explained the responsibilities and penalties," the association said.

It added it was doing its utmost to ensure that members act in a serious, professional way: "We are not going to tolerate those who, through such conduct, give a bad impression on all developers in general."