SANTO DOMINGO– The National Institute for the Protection of Consumer Rights (Pro Consumidor) has resolved nearly 1,500 conflicts between real estate companies and consumers through resolutions, in addition to securing the return of more than 800 million pesos in conciliation proceedings for homebuyers who filed various claims with the institution.
In a press release, the entity's executive director, Eddy Alcántara, stated that the entity has responded promptly to all claims and complaints made by consumers whose rights have been violated when acquiring a home.
He explained that the institution he heads has adopted a criterion regarding the adhesion contracts filed and the indexation stipulated therein, "which guarantees the protection of consumers against conflicts that arise in this type of commercial transaction.".
He also noted that he has participated in discussions to share and strengthen his position with the country's main consumer associations.
“Priority has been given to ensuring that each citizen is not affected in their rights or by an abusive increase in the price of real estate without taking into consideration the official measurement parameters established by the National Statistics Office (ONE) and the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic,” he said.
The official stated that this prevailing position has brought peace of mind to consumers who have come to the institution, while saying that "of all the claims and complaints that Pro Consumidor has been empowered to handle, the executive directorate has no pending cases awaiting decision within the timeframe established by Law 358-05 and other sectoral laws.".
"The cases that have not become definitive are because they are still under discussion due to hierarchical appeals filed by the unsuccessful parties," the official explained.
Alcántara took the opportunity to call on all consumers who understand that their rights are being affected by this type of commercial transaction, "to go to Pro Consumidor and file their statement and complaint, guaranteeing their immediate response within the timeframes established by sector laws.".
He explained that the policy of his administration is to first try to socialize and bring the parties to an agreement, and then decide through a resolution in favor of the sectors that have felt affected by this type of transaction.
