ARLA

Our Place Property is a licensed member of the Association of Residential Letting Agents (ARLA).

ARLA was formed in 1981 as the professional and regulatory body for letting agents in the UK. It has 3,500 member offices throughout the UK and membership is achieved only by agents who demonstrate that they have a thorough knowledge of their profession and that they conduct their business according to current best practice.

All members are required to have professional indemnity insurance cover. In addition they are covered by a bonding scheme which provides financial protection for client monies which have been misappropriated.

ARLA members are governed by a code of practice providing a framework of ethical and professional standards at a level far higher than the law demands. The Association runs a series of meetings, training courses and seminars at local and national levels to ensure that members are kept fully up to date with the latest best practice.

Examinations are held regularly and membership rules require all member offices to have professionally qualified staff. Members’ accounts are required to be audited annually ensuring that they conform to stringent accounting practice.

The Association has its own complaints and disciplinary procedures so that any dispute is dealt with efficiently and fairly and, where necessary, suitable sanctions are imposed on the agent.

In summary, to join ARLA a company must have professional indemnity insurance, separate client accounts must be held, strict accounting standards must be met and at least one member of staff must be professionally qualified in the theory and practise of letting and property management.

For us, joining ARLA demonstrates our desire to operate to the highest ethical and professional standards.

ARLA website