Market Regulation

Despite increasing quality and safety compliance requirements in the letting market, in most circumstances landlords and agents can let and manage privately rented properties with no qualifications or membership to any governing body.

Both national and local government have recently started pushing for more compulsory regulation of letting agents and landlords. Steps which Red-Lets fully support

Red-Lets are members 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 was recognised that the requirements of the residential lettings market were so detailed and specific that a separate organisation was required to promote standards in this important and growing sector of the property market.

Red-Lets voluntarily subscribe to ARLA because this clearly demonstrates to our customers that we meet the technical and professional standards set by this regulatory body. This bestows the following benefits to our customers:

• Knowledge that our staff meet the required level of technical and legal knowledge on all aspects of residential letting and property management.
• Assurance that Red-Lets conduct their business according to current best management practice.
• Peace of mind from the knowledge that all client monies are held in a separate client account and are protected by the ARLA bonding scheme.
• Ability if required, to formally put forward any complaints through the ARLA complaints and disciplinary procedure.
• Financial re-course through Red-Lets' professional indemnity insurance.
• Assurance that Red-Lets are governed by a Code of Practice providing a framework of ethical and professional standards at a level far higher than the law demands.

Red-Lets are also members of the Ombudsman of Estate Agents (OEA)

We are proud to tell our clients that if they have any grievance with our performance, their interests are supported by the OEA. The Ombudsman's role is to reach a resolution of unresolved disputes in full and final settlement and, where appropriate, he will make an appropriate award of financial compensation. Therefore, if you feel that you have been disadvantaged by the actions or inactions of an OEA member, you have access to an independent dispute resolution service and can be certain of receiving a fair and reasonable judgement of your complaint