BDC Magazine - Online version December 2015 Issue - 216 | Page 17

ARLA.qxp_feature 2 19/10/2015 09:52 Page 15

The foremost
professional body
ARLA was formed in 1981 as the
professional and regulatory body
for letting agents in the UK
In the competitive property market, characterised by change

ARLA-certified

and turbulence, only one thing remains the same: accredita-

Indemnity Insurance. Of chief concern to tenants is the safe-

tion with the Association of Residential Lettings Agents

ty of their initial deposit and, with such stringent regulations,

(ARLA) is imperative if companies offering landlord servic-

all worries are alleviated. Tenants and landlords alike also

es are to remain afloat. It is something, more often than not,

have the advantage of working with agents with the utmost

to which both companies and tenants look toward when

dedication to quality lettings – as evidenced by the thorough

selecting a property, as a means to ascertain whether proper-

and continuous training regime ARLA has in place.

ties and companies adhere to the quality they expect.

agents

are

guaranteed

Professional

Moreover, as government legislation continues to change,

Having accumulated over thirty years in the industry, ARLA

and more serious measures are put in place for those not in

stands as UK's foremost professional body for letting agents,

compliance, it's of real significance that lettings agencies

and acts as a measure of assurance for those looking to let or

strive to maintain such compliance. Just recently, the terms

rent properties. As a highly-exclusive trade association, its 7,900

of the Section 21 notice for eviction changed – giving tenants

members are afforded sector-wide recognition and, as such, are

more right to object, as well as the regulation of smoke and

obliged to undertake rigorous and ongoing training to maintain

carbon monoxide detectors, with landlords now needing to

the prestige that comes with such identifiable repute. To make

ensure a more extensive implementation of the devices. The

the grade, members must demonstrate compliance with the pro-

organisation has welcomed the changes and ensured its

fessional standards outlined within the ARLA Byelaws and

members adhere to the new laws. Wi th ARLA registration

Code of Practice, and therefore their continued commitment to

comes the promise that agents need not encounter the impli-

high standards within the lettings agency sector.

cations of neglecting to follow legal requirement. ARLA

In the contemporary moment where standards of rental

members are obligated to remain up to date on all new legis-

properties are falling, and landlords are projected as increas-

lation passed, and ARLA therefore promotes absolute trans-

ingly despondent with respect to standards of accommoda-

parency amongst members, with the certainty of exceeding

tion, seeking ARLA accreditation has never been more

expectations at every level.

important. As David Cox, Managing Director of ARLA

Engaging with, and addressing both government

reminds us, “There are no restrictions on who becomes a let-

demands and the anxieties expressed by first-time and habit-

tings agent, so seeking advice from an agent affiliated to a

ual renters, ARLA is galvanising the practices of the sector,

professional organisation is highly recommended. They are

stimulating a progressive culture which constantly looks to

trained, offer clients money protection, and there is a redress

better itself. As interest in the rental market soars, and the

scheme in place if things go wrong.”

number of letting agents increases in conjunction with

As alluded to, members benefit from ARLA's Client
Money Protection (CMP) Scheme and clients opting for

demand, differentiation is key to ensuring viability; membership with ARLA provides that differentiating feature.