We’re ARLA Propertymark registered so you can trust us to be your letting agent

29/07/2019 10:45:31

The UK Government is set to introduce a new regulatory framework for property agents in England and Wales to bring the sector in line with Scotland.

The private rented sector north of the border has already gone through substantial change, with the introduction of a new private residential tenancy, a letting agent code of practice, registration and training requirements for all letting agents and the introduction of the First-tier Tribunal for Scotland (Housing and Property Chamber) in 2018.

The changes mean that landlords in Scotland can ensure they use an agent they can trust, is qualified and provides them with protection.

Scottish Property Centre uses the ARLA Propertymark which has long been at the heart of the private rented sector, supporting over 9,000 letting agents by providing them with training and legal advice.

Agents like us who display the ‘ARLA Propertymark Protected’ logo are up to date on the latest legal changes, and we offer higher levels of protection.

As a registered letting agent, we expect to be held accountable and that landlords rely on us to meet high standards, hold client money separately and have our accounts independently inspected.

The ARLA Propertymark has been providing financial protection for landlords and tenants for years through membership requirements.

In January 2018, a campaign to make client money protection mandatory for letting agents came to fruition under a new letting agent code of practice, which includes a requirement for all agents to have client money protection as well as professional indemnity insurance.

As an agency which belongs to ARLA Propertymark, Scottish Property Centre is required to operate in a transparent way and to provide services that are subject to independent scrutiny.

Landlord who use our letting services can be confident that:

• Their income is backed by Propertymark Client Money Protection, a scheme which reimburses landlords and tenants for missing rent or deposits if their agent’s business fails. • Our responsible agent holds a Propertymark Qualifications Level 6 Technical Award in residential letting and property management.
• Our experience is supported by regular, continuing professional development and refresher training.
• We’re up to date with complex, legislative changes and best practice.
• We offer Propertymark protection and hold appropriate professional indemnity insurance.
• Because we hold client money, our accounts are independently inspected regularly.
• Because we deal with sales, we’re registered with HM Revenue and Customs for anti-money laundering.

For more information on using us as a letting agent, contact your local Scottish Property Centre branch or visit www.scottishpropertycentre.net