Industry Standards - Howards Estate Agents
As a landlord you may ask yourself what does Howards being members of these organisations mean to me?
Unlike some industry associations none of these can be joined just by paying an annual fee. Strict annual auditing and constant adhesion to their comprehensive codes of practice are just two of the many criteria imposed which ensures that members of these organisations have to consistently prove the highest industry standards to retain membership status.
In short members of these organisations have proved that their business integrity, principles and practices are above reproach. As a client you know that Howards is totally accountable to these organisations and can be rest assured that you are receiving highest industry standards of service.
ARLA - Association of Residential Letting Agents
ARLA is the strong driving force in Residential Lettings in the UK and has been behind self regulation of Agents for more than two decades. Stringent rules and regulations make sure those agents who display the ARLA logo and enjoy membership status are the market leaders.
Annual auditing of clients funds, bonded accounts for Tenant’s deposits, staff in each and every member firms branch must be trained and have passed the ARLA foundation qualification. The ARLA board is made up of experienced lettings professionals and they are not afraid to expel a member firm for any breach of the code of practice or professional misconduct.
RICS - Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
As you would expect from such a well known and respected organisation membership standard is not easy to obtain. Once membership status is achieved the highest standards must be consistently maintained also annual auditing of every aspect of the business is undertaken and also spot checks ensure those high standards in every area of the business are maintained.
TDS - Tenancy Deposit Service
With the new regulations in place from Spring 2007 the government has put in place a safeguard for Tenants deposits. Tenants can now feel protected from the rogue Landlord or unregulated agent that may make totally unreasonable deductions from their deposit.
The TDS is formed from the coming together of NAEA, ARLA and RICS to provide a safe environment for the Tenants deposit by ensuring that the member agent has a proven audited and professional track record of dealing with client funds.
The TDS provides the ideal safety net for Landlords and Tenants by means of a swift and concise arbitration service in the event of dispute over deductions from the deposit at the end of the Tenancy.