New Qualification

Acorns Residential are pleased to announce their director Jane Smith has passed her NFoPP (National Federation of Property Professionals) Level 4 Certificate in Residential Letting and Property Management.

This qualification enables Jane to move from her current member status of ARLA, which she has held for the past 7 years, to become a Fellow of ARLA, the regulating body for reputable letting agents. 

Whilst an extremely challenging qualification, Jane felt it would be useful to gain the extra knowledge for many day to day activities and her success means Acorns Residential are even more qualified to support their landlord clients. 

Following her success Jane commented “Anyone can set up as a letting agent, which to be frank is a bit scary.  With the housing market as it is, many sales agents are also dipping their toes in the lettings field in a bid to supplement their sales commission, but many simply do not have the understanding required.  

A landlord is putting one of their biggest assets in the hands of an agent to look after, yet many agents have little or no experience or knowledge in this complex field.  The legislation behind lettings and property management is colossal and if it is not followed correctly the repercussions for both agent and landlord can be devastating.  Landlords need to be confident that they are placing their property with a trustworthy agent and an agent that has the knowledge to manage the property correctly and follow applicable legislation.”

So, what does a landlord need to do?  

Jane continues “Any landlord looking for an agent to let or manage their rental property should firstly ensure they are a member of ARLA.  If not, walk away.  If they already use an agent then check to see if they are members.  This gives the landlord peace of mind that they are dealing with a professional agent that must abide by a strict code of conduct.  All client funds are protected by client money protection insurance.  ARLA registration also ensures the agent has a full redress scheme should things go wrong.  Members are also required to undertake continuing professional development each year to ensure they are fully up to speed on the ever changing laws of renting properties.  Letting and property management is a massive field.  Having been a member of ARLA for 7 years I was amazed at the extra knowledge I obtained by undertaking this additional qualification.  Letting and managing a property is not simple, there is a minefield of law that must be followed and I can’t stress enough the need for landlords to find an agent with experience and always with the backing of ARLA.

Acorns Residential are licensed members of ARLA and also members of the Property Ombudsman.  Being centrally based in Newington, we cover Medway, Swale and Maidstone and with the majority of our new business coming from referrals this shows testament to the excellent service being received by our current clients.”