Applegate Lettings are proud to be members of
ARLA, the Association of
Residential Letting Agents. We are one of the very few fully qualified, ARLA accredited
letting agents in Holmfirth and Huddersfield, providing real peace of mind for
both landlords and tenants. But for many, the following questions are raised….
Why use an ARLA credited letting agent?
How does an ARLA credited letting agent differ from any other?
What are the benefits that come from this accreditation for the
landlord/tenant?
We’d like to answer those
questions today.
Every
year, unlicensed agents are causing unnecessary stress and hassle for Britain’s
homebuyers and sellers by giving incorrect or misleading advice or offering
poor standards of customer service. By using a licensed ARLA agent you are
guaranteed the following:
- That the agency is covered
by ARLA’s Client Money Protection Scheme (CMP). The ARLA have the ability
to make discretionary grants (up to pre-set limited) if you suffer financial
loss due to the bankruptcy or dishonesty of the member and/or their firm.
- That the agency has
Professional Indemnity Insurance. This ensures that you are financially
covered for successful claims relating to members’ negligence, bad advice or
mishandling of data.
- To be consulting with a
qualified and trained agent who can give you professional up-to-date advice and
guidance. All
of ARLA’s members are required to carry out at least a minimum level of
Continuous Professional Development (CPD) each year and many do more.
- That you are dealing with
an agent who voluntarily follows the Code of Practice and Rules of Conduct laid
down by their professional body. If an agent does not follow the code, they
can be fined or in the worst cases expelled from membership of ARLA. ARLA’s disciplinary
process includes everything from cautions and warnings right through to more
severe penalties of up to £5,000 for each rule breached. You can be sure that
the highest standards are upheld by ARLA’s members.
- That you have route to
redress should something go wrong. It is a mandatory requirement that all our
members belong to an independent redress scheme, the choice being either the
Ombudsman Services: Property or the Property Ombudsman Service. This gives you
the consumer an added level of protection. The Property Ombudsman Service can
award payments of up to £25,000.
As a member of the public, by choosing an ARLA
member, you can be sure you are dealing with an experienced and professional
agent. Membership of the Association is through formal qualification
ensuring that ARLA member agents have the knowledge and experience to guide you
through your property transaction as smoothly and painlessly as possible.
Operating under strict rules of conduct, members must meet certain standards
relating to professional and ethical practice. Under the rules, agents are
required to protect and promote their client's interests, while at all times
acting in a fair and proper manner. If you are unfortunate enough to suffer at
the hands of malpractice by an ARLA letting agent, the Association can take
disciplinary action on your behalf.
The bottom line is, you are better protected and
will get higher standards from ARLA members and Applegate Lettings are proud to
be members of this association.