What is ARLA Propertymark? And Why Is It Important To YOU as a landlord?

What is ARLA Propertymark? 

If you’re a landlord, when it comes to letting out your property, you need and deserve the peace of mind that comes with professionalism and trust. Step forward ARLA Propertymark. And yes, we ARE members. Here’s why.

In this blog, we’re all about accreditation.

In other words – standards, and benchmarks within our sector. Being a landlord is more complicated than it used to be. We must never tire of stating that, should you wish to rent your home to others, there’s a great deal to know, and ever-exacting criteria that you will be required to meet in order to remain compliant.

Whether you’re already letting out your properties, or thinking of doing so, using a letting agency is the obvious answer. Or, it should be. You’re handing over the formalities to the experts. Right?

Well, yes. But, maybe no.

Sometimes, if you’ve not had the time to do your research, and you’re not one hundred percent sure as to what to look for, you may find that an agent doesn’t deliver on their promises.

Their lack of know-how could leave you exposed.

You’ve tied up a great deal of money in your property, so you’ll want to make sure that your investment is in the best possible hands. Which is why and how ARLA Propertymark exists.

And, why it’s so important to engage an ARLA accredited lettings agency.

Is ARLA Propertymark Accreditation Mandatory?

You may be surprised to hear that the answer is: No.

Unlike an accountant or a lawyer, anyone can set themselves up as a rental agent.

There is no legal requirement for them to be qualified to do what they do. Whilst this type of authentication is also missing in other professions (Botox, anyone?) in the property sector, its lack here is particularly galling; it’s your money, your life, and your pension at stake.

Therefore, through using an ARLA registered agent, whether you’re a landlord or a tenant, you are guaranteed protection and peace of mind.

According to their own website, there are currently 4.8 million privately rented homes in England. As of May 2020, ALRA members manage 47 percent of them. The remainder (53 percent, naturally) are NOT managed by accredited letting agents.

Whilst improving, we think this statistic is still concerning.

What is ARLA Propertymark?

ARLA Propertymark is the UK’s foremost professional and regulatory body for letting agents. Plus it’s the biggest and most influential body in the sector.

It stands for the Association of Residential Lettings Agents, and in brief, they require all members to meet a certain number of strict measures and principles.

Here at Clarity, their Code of Practice and Rules of conduct lie at the heart of everything we stand for, and everything we do. Our Managing Director, Talitha Burgess is quite rightly, proud to be a full ARLA member. To be exact, it gives her the edge.

This accreditation enables her to offer the in-depth levels of knowledge and expertise that could make all the difference to your entire lettings and management process.

This…Is Not Easy

The examination process can take up to 18 months, and many find it extremely gruelling.

In other words, these qualifications are hard to get. To gain membership, a lettings agent must be an experienced and trained professional, be able to demonstrate their understanding of a complicated legal system, AND respond well to the changes within that system.

Equally, he or she needs to maintain their knowledge, with regular ongoing professional development.

What This Means to You

To sum up, an ARLA accreditation means that your property and your income are safe, and that you will be compensated if something happens. Tenants notice ARLA members, too, and it’s likely that you’ll have a higher number of applicants viewing your property, all more than happy to put their trust in a professional agency

Professional Standards

Without a doubt, there are stern standards to follow.

A series of ethical and professional benchmarks that agencies such as Clarity must meet, and continue to meet. These rigorous measures are far sharper than the law demands.

Did you know that as ARLA members we’re required to have our bank account audited annually to ensure that we’re adhering to stringent accounting practices? To you, this offers the security of knowing that our finances are valid.

Financial Protection

We have professional indemnity insurance cover (this is an additional obligation), and we’re also covered by a client money protection scheme that can safeguard your money should we go rogue – which of course we’re not going to.

Complaints Procedure

ARLA has its own complaints and disciplinary processes, so that if you have a dispute it can be dealt with efficiently – and of course, fairly.

Influence

ARLA is widely recognised. Government, local authorities, consumer interest groups and the media turn to it as the most trusted body in the private rented sector

Keeping up to Speed

ARLA ensures that its members are fully up to speed with any changes in legislation – and there are many of these, as you may know – and always offers training and guidance when needed. This means that any advice we offer you, will be solid, correct and up to date.

Using an ARLA Propertymark agency is similar to a kitemark, or to the words “appellation controllée” on a bottle of wine. You’ll know where you are and that, behind the scenes, everything is happening as it should be.

So, what is ARLA Propertymark? If you’re a landlord, it’s something important in your life. And, you’re busy. Don’t go with any agent who’s not registered with ARLA. We’re one of the 47 percent, and we’d be pleased to help.